Kyle Larson, 2021 NASCAR Cup champion and one of the most versatile drivers in motorsports today, could soon get a taste of Formula 1. With his talents drawing comparisons to reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has hinted at the possibility of giving the American stock car star a shot at an F1 test.
Larson, who is set to drive for McLaren in the 2025 Indy 500, has long been regarded as a racing phenomenon capable of mastering various disciplines. Brown recently revealed on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Happy Hour podcast that discussions have taken place about putting Larson in an F1 car, suggesting that such a test could happen soon, given the growing partnership between McLaren and Hendrick Motorsports.
The potential F1 test would not only be a monumental opportunity for Larson but also a chance for motorsport fans to witness a tantalizing crossover between NASCAR and Formula 1. McLaren has previously run similar sessions, notably with IndyCar champion Alex Palou, making the scenario more than just a fantasy.
Brown compared Larson to two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso, highlighting their shared traits of calmness, exceptional focus, and an unshakable self-confidence. These qualities, combined with their versatility, make them formidable competitors in any car they drive.
Both Larson and Alonso are renowned for their ability to adapt and excel across different racing series, and putting Larson in an F1 car could finally provide the definitive comparison that fans have been craving.
Should McLaren follow through, the test could set the stage for an epic session where Larson and Verstappen could share the track, potentially putting to rest the ongoing debate over who’s the more versatile racer. For now, the motorsport world waits in anticipation of what could be a historic and thrilling moment in racing.
