Connor Zilisch in racing attire, showcasing his potential in motorsports. [Image Source: WCYB]
Connor Zilisch’s Formula 1 potential has caught the attention of NASCAR star Kevin Harvick, who believes the young American could be a top contender in open-wheel racing. As Zilisch prepares to advance to the NASCAR Cup Series next season after a record-setting start, questions are mounting about whether his motorsport trajectory could one day shift toward Formula 1.
Zilisch’s Unique Beginnings Set Him Apart in the Motorsports World
While most NASCAR hopefuls grow up racing late models or midgets, Zilisch’s career took a different route. He entered motorsports through the highly competitive world of karting, a discipline often linked to the early careers of Formula 1 stars. His quest to break into open-wheel racing saw him traveling to Europe as a child, aiming to follow the traditional path toward Formula 1.
Despite his ambitions, opportunities in Europe did not fully materialize. Zilisch returned to America, where he demonstrated versatility by racing in Trans-Am, Late Models, and later the ARCA series before breaking into NASCAR during the current season. This unconventional background is a key factor in discussions around his adaptability and his prospects beyond stock car racing.
Kevin Harvick’s Endorsement of Zilisch’s Formula 1 Potential
The idea that an American could not only join but succeed in Formula 1 is a rare endorsement in the NASCAR community. Harvick, who has known Zilisch since his formative karting days—when Zilisch and Harvick’s son Keelan competed side by side—holds strong beliefs about the young driver’s capabilities. On his show, Harvick declared,
Image of: Connor Zilisch
“I still am firm in believing that Connor Zilisch had the highest possibility of being a true contender in F1 as an American…Luckily, we steered him towards NASCAR and not the open-wheel route because he was one of the very few that could go over there on talent and make it on the F1 side without just a bucket of money.”
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR veteran
Harvick’s close involvement in Zilisch’s career at pivotal moments offers a unique perspective on what it takes for American drivers to transition from NASCAR to Formula 1. His strong advocacy reportedly even influenced Zilisch’s decision to delay college in favor of pursuing racing. Harvick recalled his conversation with Zilisch’s father, stating,
“I’m like, ‘Man, you gotta figure it out. You can’t send this kid to college, you at least gotta give him a shot.’”
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR veteran
Challenges and Realities of Moving from NASCAR to Formula 1
Despite Harvick’s optimism, the path to Formula 1 is packed with obstacles, especially for those shifting from stock cars. Harvick recognizes that timing is everything, emphasizing how difficult it becomes if drivers step away from the single-seater pipeline for too many years. He explained,
“Once you get out of that system and try to go back seven or eight years later, I think it would be really difficult to follow the details of what you need to be doing in a car,”
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR veteran
Eligibility for Formula 1 is not simply about talent; drivers must secure a Super License, which means earning points by competing in qualifying series such as Formula 3 or Formula 2. For Zilisch, it would require a significant commitment—likely several seasons—should he decide to pursue the F1 dream.
Zilisch’s Thoughts on His Future and F1 Ambitions
Although Zilisch is focused on making his mark in NASCAR, he has not closed the door on racing in Formula 1. In July, he reflected on his longstanding ambition, saying,
“Growing up it was my dream, I wanted to race F1. I went to Europe when I was a kid racing go-karts, it’s what I wanted to do. It’s just when I was younger, I didn’t really have the chance. Now with an American team [Cadillac] being brought to F1, having connections with Red Bull and being kinda tied in there, I’d say the chances aren’t zero.”
For now, Zilisch’s attention remains on the upcoming Cup Series, where he aims to build a strong foundation in NASCAR before contemplating another shift. His openness to future opportunities, coupled with his connections to new American F1 ventures like Cadillac and his ties to prominent organizations like Red Bull, keeps the conversation alive about his Formula 1 outlook.
The Road Ahead: Possibilities and Impact for U.S. Motorsports
Connor Zilisch’s rise illustrates the complex landscape for American racers with Formula 1 aspirations. As his achievements in NASCAR grow—having already claimed nine wins in his debut Xfinity season—his career will be closely watched by both U.S. stock car fans and those hopeful for an American breakthrough in Formula 1. The presence of new American-backed teams like Cadillac and ongoing relationships with global brands such as Red Bull further fuel speculation about what Zilisch’s motorsports future might hold. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether this versatile American driver could ultimately take on the world stage in Formula 1, as envisioned by Kevin Harvick and others who recognize his rare combination of skill and determination.
