Controversy resurfaced around Kyle Larson after fans reignited criticism over his previous comments comparing himself to Max Verstappen, as tensions spiked following a late-race incident at the Gateway event. The ongoing debate about the Kyle Larson Max Verstappen driver controversy has once again captured attention in the motorsports world, fueled by both Larson’s recent performance and lingering remarks.
Larson’s Gateway Race and Aftermath Stir Up Online Reaction
Kyle Larson, representing Hendrick Motorsports, has been under scrutiny since asserting last year that he surpasses Max Verstappen in all-around driving skill. After failing to break into the top ten at the Daytona International Speedway season finale and finishing 19th and 12th in his next two races at Gateway, Larson’s form left fans unimpressed. During the Enjoy Illinois 300, tensions heightened when Larson attempted to pass Ryan Blaney for fifth position in Stage 3, making contact and causing Blaney’s No. 12 Ford to spin in the turn.
The incident immediately sparked backlash online, intensifying the spotlight already cast by Larson’s self-assurance. Many fans took to social media, referencing his affiliation with Hendrick Motorsports and questioning his competitive integrity in the aftermath. As one user stated,
“If Larson wasn’t in a Hendrick car he would be the most hated driver in NASCAR right now.”
Fans Criticize Larson’s Racecraft and Consistency
The reaction did not stop at the immediate incident. Additional fans joined the conversation, with concerns about Larson’s driving technique. A critical message read,
“It’s time we acknowledge Kyle Larson has some of the worst racecraft in NASCAR.”
Others suggested a pattern of inconsistent behavior, with another comment emphasizing perceived hypocrisy:
“I like the guy but damn he can’t race and then he complains when they do the same to him. can’t wait for the Larson riders to defend him on this one.”
—Davanie (@davanierdguez) September 7, 2025
Several commenters brought sarcasm to the discussion, referencing Larson’s previous boastful declarations. One user, alluding to those statements, remarked,
“But I’ve been told he’s the best driver on earth?”
Revisiting Larson’s Claims About Verstappen
The root of the controversy traces back to the summer of 2024, when Kyle Larson’s confidence reached a peak after securing his third Knoxville Nationals victory in four years. Speaking with FloRacing, Larson reignited debate among NASCAR and Formula One fans by asserting,
“I honestly believe I’m better than him (Max Verstappen) as an all-around driver.”
He added,
“There’s no way he could jump into a Sprint Car and win the Knoxville Nationals. He couldn’t win the Chili Bowl. And there’s no way he could take a Cup race at Bristol.”
The direct comparison between himself and Max Verstappen, Red Bull’s highly decorated Formula One star, led to heated exchanges across motorsports fans on various platforms. The controversy intensified during Larson’s recent attempt at the Indy 500 double, where his performance was closely scrutinized and viewed by some as falling short of the lofty claims.
Impact of Ongoing Debate on Larson’s Reputation
The discussion around the Kyle Larson Max Verstappen driver controversy underscores broader tensions in motorsports regarding cross-discipline talent and public perception. Hendrick Motorsports, Chevrolet, Red Bull, and the fanbases of both NASCAR and Formula One have found themselves entangled in debates about driver skill, fairness, and legacy. As Larson continues his season, every on-track moment is amplified by the words he spoke last year and the ongoing reactions from supporters and critics alike. The situation reflects not only personal rivalries but the passionate investment fans have in the reputations of their favorite drivers, promising that any future encounters will be watched even more closely.
