Connor Zilisch’s NASCAR Cup move is turning heads in motorsports, with his leap at just 19 years old sparking parallels to Formula One champion Max Verstappen. The 2026 Cup Series season will see Zilisch take over Daniel Suarez’s seat at Trackhouse Racing, raising questions about whether NASCAR’s top level is an even bigger stage for emerging talents than F1 itself.
Trackhouse Racing principal Justin Marks expressed his recognition of Zilisch’s promise, stating,
“When you recognise that you’ve got that in a package, you have to run with it. We’ve seen it. I mean, Max to happen and there’s been other drivers that have gotten sort of thrown into the top level at a young age and all of those guys kind of demonstrate the same thing.”
— Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing Boss
Max Verstappen broke into Formula One in 2015 at only 17, quickly becoming the youngest F1 race winner ever at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. Zilisch now chases success with similar momentum, notching 10 wins this season and impressing both fans and teams. Yet, the step up to NASCAR’s Cup Series represents a challenge distinct from his open-wheel ambitions, especially considering F1’s heavy reliance on car performance and NASCAR’s intense, physical racing dynamic.
Zilisch Embraces, But Questions, Verstappen Comparisons
The young American, long fascinated by the world of F1, remains realistic about the differences between Cup racing and Formula One. He openly acknowledged the challenges, remarking,
“Obviously, Max Verstappen is a once-in-a-generation talent, and it’s hard to say, yeah, I’m going to be like him and have as successful as a jump to the highest level as he did, but obviously I know the jump to the Cup Series is nothing easy, and it’s going to be tough no matter what and no matter who you are, and I feel like just the way he was brought up, it might be a little bit easier for him, and especially in F1 with how car-dependent it is, I feel like it’s easier to rise to the occasion.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
Verstappen dominated F1 between 2021 and 2024, his rapid ascent serving as inspiration for Zilisch and a frequent touchpoint for comparisons. Yet, Zilisch’s own journey involves overcoming the established veterans and rough-and-tumble nature of NASCAR—challenges different from those faced by Verstappen.
Justin Marks moved swiftly to sign Zilisch following Daniel Suarez’s planned exit, ensuring the team’s future alongside Shane Van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion who will team up with Zilisch full-time in 2026. The alliance could spark fierce competition, with Zilisch and Van Gisbergen sharing expertise while fighting for victories and records—particularly on road courses.
First Glimpse: Zilisch’s Cup Debut Offers Promise and Reality Check
Zilisch debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series at the Circuit of The Americas in March, piloting the No. 87 Chevrolet for Trackhouse. Despite a promising start, his race ended in a mid-race crash and a 37th-place finish. His next Cup outing, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, saw improvement—he climbed to 23rd despite involvement in a multi-car incident by lap 113. These trial runs highlighted not only his potential but also the steep learning curve facing young Cup hopefuls.
Competing against seasoned NASCAR veterans, Zilisch realized that Cup cars require a significantly different skillset compared to the Xfinity Series and open-wheel disciplines. His prowess, particularly on road courses, is expected to generate intra-team excitement, especially with Van Gisbergen’s own record-breaking performances this year, indicating a possible rivalry as well as an opportunity for mentorship.
Comparisons with Teenage Racing Stars and Lessons from Recent Rookies
Zilisch’s quick rise has naturally drawn parallels with Max Verstappen’s meteoric F1 journey, a discussion explored by motorsports journalist Steven Taranto:
“In earning a Cup ride at 19, Connor Zilisch has drawn direct comparisons to F1’s Max Verstappen, who likewise made it to the highest level as a teenager and succeeded. I recently asked Zilisch about that comparison, especially given his background in open wheel.Zilisch noted… pic.twitter.com/KSFdxy80ud”
— Steven Taranto, Journalist
Zilisch explained the particular hurdles facing young drivers in NASCAR compared to those entering top-level F1, saying,
“In NASCAR, I feel like, you know, when you go from XFINITY to Cup, the car completely changes, and the way you drive it, and everything out at the, you know, independent rear suspension, the gearbox, there’s just a lot of differences, so I think it is going to be a bit of a harder jump than, you know, maybe a guy like Max Verstappen going to F1, but, you know, it’s definitely possible, and I get confidence from a guy like him who was able to do it at my age. I feel like there have been guys in the past who, at the jump, really struggled, but I just hope that I’m able to kind of adapt quicker, and I feel like my background and all the different cars help with that transition.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
Zilisch’s situation is unlike those of previous Cup rookies as well. Ty Gibbs, for example, surged to an Xfinity title in his first full season before moving to Cup with Joe Gibbs Racing. Despite strong results including several top-ten finishes and substantial earnings, Gibbs has yet to secure a victory in a points race, underscoring how tough it is for even the most accomplished young drivers to immediately shine at NASCAR’s peak.
The Road Ahead: Regulation Changes and Playoff Ambitions
With upcoming adjustments to NASCAR regulations—ranging from increased horsepower to shifts in playoff format—the 2026 season presents both new pressures and fresh opportunities for Zilisch and his Trackhouse teammates. These changes could level the playing field, allowing emerging drivers like Zilisch the chance to challenge experienced veterans and transform the series narrative.
However, Zilisch is not losing sight of his current championship chase in the Xfinity Series. He is heading into the playoff rounds with a substantial 57-point buffer above the cutoff, but understands that a single mishap at Las Vegas Motor Speedway or an unlucky incident at Talladega could threaten his title hopes. The journey so far has involved both victories and setbacks, as Zilisch came close to winning at Talladega before a late crash, and led over a hundred laps from pole at Martinsville only to be derailed by bad luck. Each of these episodes has proven to be a valuable lesson, preparing him for both immediate playoff ambitions and future Cup Series battles.
Significance of Zilisch’s Rapid Ascent for Trackhouse Racing and NASCAR
Connor Zilisch’s NASCAR Cup move is reshaping expectations for teenage racing stars, stirring anticipation both within Trackhouse Racing and across the NASCAR fanbase. His journey stands as a testament to the appeal and challenge of NASCAR’s highest level, showing that raw talent, adaptability, and perseverance are essential for success—perhaps more so here than in Formula One, where car performance can dominate outcomes.
As he prepares to join forces with Shane Van Gisbergen, Zilisch’s unique perspective and diverse background set him apart. Whether facing playoff pressure in Xfinity or learning from every lap in Cup cars, Zilisch’s progress is closely watched by enthusiasts, including those inspired by the journey of Max Verstappen. The culmination of an emotionally charged season could mark the beginning of a groundbreaking era for both Zilisch and the NASCAR community.
In earning a Cup ride at 19, Connor Zilisch has drawn direct comparisons to F1's Max Verstappen, who likewise made it to the highest level as a teenager and succeeded. I recently asked Zilisch about that comparison, especially given his background in open wheel.
Zilisch noted… pic.twitter.com/KSFdxy80ud
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) October 10, 2025
