Max Verstappen Discusses NASCAR Appearance After Sim Racing Success

Max Verstappen, who is closing in on clinching his fourth F1 championship, has firmly dismissed the notion of racing on oval tracks, preferring the traditional circuit-based approach of Formula 1.

In a recent episode of the Box Box Box podcast, Verstappen commented on the possibility of oval racing in Formula One and also if he would consider a NASCAR appearance. He explained, as quoted by First Sportz:

“On an F1 calendar? No, No, not for me. I like to do it for fun, online, but not in real life. IndyCar, NASCAR, but I like to watch it, not to drive it myself.”

Despite Formula 1’s desire to broaden its appeal in the United States, integrating such tracks into the F1 calendar remains a remote possibility. To the Dutch driver, Formula One flourishes in circuits with fast, flowing corners. He continued:

“Mugello. Fast corners. Just flowing tracks. So not too many like lower speed, stop-start, just flowing, fast corners.”

The reluctance of Formula 1 to embrace oval tracks is also backed by its global strategy under the stewardship of Liberty Media. Since acquiring Formula 1, Liberty Media has sought to enhance the sport’s international appeal while aligning it with existing racing standards. This initiative, though keen on courting American audiences, preserves the core elements that distinguish Formula 1 globally.

This comes after NASCAR champion Kyle Larson claimed he was a better all-round driver than Verstappen. He explained to the media earlier in the year, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:

“I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver,” Larson stated.

“There’s probably no way I can go win a Formula 1 race at Monaco, but I think I’d have a better shot at him 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.”

Verstappen had a short response to these claims, stating:

“Kyle Larson did Indy and he does dirt. I think that’s really cool too.

“We should not have that debate because everyone is good in their own right. I wouldn’t be good in dirt. Maybe if I practice… I don’t know. I think at the end of the day, a good racing driver picks up things quite quickly.”

Verstappen could potentially secure his fourth F1 title at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.