NASCAR champion Kyle Larson has declared that he is a superior all-round driver compared to Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen.
The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series title holder believes he possesses a more versatile skill set that would allow him to outperform the three-time F1 champion across various racing disciplines.
In a recent interview, Larson didn’t mince words when asked if he thought he was better than Verstappen. The 30-year-old Californian argued that while the young driver may have the edge in open-wheel cars, he wouldn’t dominate in other racing disciplines such as sprint cars and NASCAR events
“I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver,” Larson told FloRacing. “There’s no way Verstappen can get into a Sprint Car and win the Knoxville Nationals. 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.”
Larson’s bold assertion raises an intriguing question about what it means to be the “best” driver in motorsports. The sport encompasses a wide variety of disciplines, each requiring a unique set of skills and techniques.
While Verstappen has established himself as a dominant force in Formula 1, breaking records and earning accolades, Larson has proven his prowess in NASCAR and dirt racing.
This contrast leads to a broader discussion about the nature of racing talent. Is it better to excel in a single discipline or to be a well-rounded driver capable of adapting to various racing formats? Larson’s confidence suggests that versatility should be a key factor in determining greatness, but Verstappen’s achievements in the highly technical world of F1 cannot be ignored.
Larson is a NASCAR Cup Series title holder with seven NASCAR road course race wins in 24 starts. He also doubles up as an endurance racing driver for Chip Ganassi in IMSA where he won the 24 Hours of Daytona as well as an IndyCar racer which secured him the 2024 Indianapolis 500’s Rookie of the Year award.
His other wins include the Kings Royal, the Chili Bowl Nationals, and the Knoxville Nationals, demonstrating his skill as a dirt track racer.
Is Kyle Larson now the greatest driver of all time? Perhaps not. It does, however, provide him a better chance than Max Verstappen to win the title of best all-round racing driver.
While Verstappen has achieved great success in iRacing alongside his hugely successful Formula 1 effort, his racing career hasn’t been as diverse or flexible as Larson’s. However, a big part of that can also be attributed to the confined F1 contracts, which limit drivers from traversing the world to participate in a variety of other racing disciplines.
Additionally, Verstappen has a reputation for being incredibly quick in GT cars after the Dutchman stunned everyone a few months ago by testing a DTM car. Afterwards, attendees claimed they have never seen anything like it.
While Larson’s confidence is admirable, the reality of cross-discipline racing also presents significant challenges. Transitioning from one racing format to another is not as simple as it may seem. The driving techniques that work in NASCAR may not translate effectively to the precision required in Formula 1.
The differences between NASCAR and F1 are stark. NASCAR is known for its stock car racing, which demands a specific skill set that includes strategic thinking, endurance, and the ability to navigate tightly packed fields at high speeds.
Formula 1, on the other hand, is characterized by its technical complexity and the need for precision driving. Verstappen’s achievements, including his record-setting performances, showcase his exceptional ability to handle high-performance machines under intense pressure.
Therefore, it might be more correct to state that Verstappen and Larson are both masters of their respective fields.
