Max Verstappen’s recent remarks dismissing any possibility of racing in NASCAR or IndyCar have ignited debate among motorsport fans, drawing strong reactions and comparisons to Kyle Larson. The focus keyword, Kyle Larson vs Max Verstappen, sits at the heart of this conflict as fans and drivers weigh in on who stands out across racing disciplines.
In a Red Bull Racing interview, Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 champion, made clear his disinterest in venturing into American racing series, stating that he would not compete in NASCAR or IndyCar in the foreseeable future. This decision comes despite Verstappen’s broadening racing interests, which have included a GT3 victory at Nürburgring Nordschleife and ambitions to participate in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. He has also shown passion for virtual competitions through sim racing, connecting with global peers, including Shane van Gisbergen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, when it comes to stock car events, Verstappen remains steadfast in his refusal. He’s previously argued that oval racing and stock car competitions present heightened risks, noting the frequency with which drivers get too close to track fences at high speeds. While admitting similar dangers exist in Formula 1, Verstappen emphasized the unpredictability of being caught in another driver’s crash in NASCAR, making it a risk he is unwilling to accept.
Reinforcing his stance, Verstappen reiterated in a Red Bull Racing Instagram reel that not only would he avoid NASCAR, but that road courses in such formats held little appeal for him as well. These comments have fueled discussion and some resentment among American motorsport supporters.
Fans React to Verstappen’s Rejection of NASCAR and IndyCar
The Dutch driver’s public refusal to race in American series unleashed spirited exchanges on social media, with NASCAR enthusiasts voicing their disappointment and speculating about Verstappen’s motivations. Several fans openly challenged Verstappen’s willingness and capability to compete against top NASCAR talent like Kyle Larson, even questioning if his reluctance is rooted in a fear of being outperformed.
“Max is scared to be smoked by Kyle Larson, that’s why😂,”
a fan said.
Others pondered the broader sentiment among Formula 1 drivers concerning American-based series, expressing frustration that figures like Verstappen would not consider the challenge.
“What do F1 drivers have against IndyCar? Is it because it’s American based?,”
another noted.
Additional comments highlighted the perceived snub of both specific opportunities and American motorsport as a whole.
“So you’re not going to drive for RedBull/Trackhouse at COTA? Rude,”
a fan penned.
“So no American series basically,” an Instagram user wrote.
“Max hates American racing…noted,” another said.
Despite Verstappen’s hesitancy to enter these series, he does share ties to NASCAR through the Red Bull-sponsored Trackhouse Racing team, with drivers Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch, and further camaraderie developed through online racing events during the pandemic.
Kyle Larson’s Candid Assessment Sparks Further Tension
Beyond fan speculation, the rivalry escalated when Kyle Larson, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, publically stated that he believes he is a more versatile driver than Max Verstappen. During a 2024 interview with Flo Racing, Larson argued that Verstappen’s expertise is largely confined to open-wheel racing, whereas Larson’s own successes span multiple racing categories. He stressed that the experience and car type inherent to NASCAR and grassroots racing would give him the edge in most scenarios except perhaps Formula 1 or IndyCar.
“I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver,”
Larson said, “There’s no way he can go win the Chili Bowl. There’s no way he can go win a Cup race at Bristol. There’s probably no way I can go win a Formula 1 race at Monaco, but I think I’d have a better shot doing what he does than him doing what I do just because of the car element.
“That’s what gives me ease and confidence that, like, I know I’m better than him. Maybe not in an open-wheel IndyCar or Formula 1 car, but that’s one discipline. I think I would beat him in everything else. You can quote that,”
he added.
When asked to respond to these assertions, Max Verstappen simply responded:
“That’s fine.”
The Broader Racing Context and What Lies Ahead
Kyle Larson’s current form further fans the rivalry, as he recently clinched his second consecutive victory at High Limit International at Perth Motorplex in Australia. With his participation in the famed Chili Bowl Nationals—already securing a spot for Championship Saturday—Larson continues to bolster his credentials as a multidiscipline racer. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen remains firmly rooted in Formula 1, occasionally venturing into endurance races and digital motorsport, but steadfastly steering clear of American stock car events.
The friction between Kyle Larson and Max Verstappen highlights the ongoing inter-series rivalry and questions about what skills and disciplines make for the world’s best racing driver. With passionate fans and high-profile personalities weighing in, the divide between Formula 1 and NASCAR appears as pronounced as ever, fueled by strong opinions and on-track performance. It remains to be seen if either Verstappen will reconsider his position in the future or if Larson will test himself in an F1 car, but for now, the competitive debate continues, keeping both fanbases engaged and the motorsport world riveted.
