Kyle Larson’s Path to F1 Sparks Debate as NASCAR Veteran Voices Strong Opposition
In the world of NASCAR, few names shine brighter than Kyle Larson. The 2024 season cemented his status as a racing sensation, with Larson dominating the Cup Series by winning six out of 36 races, leading an astounding 1,700 laps, and achieving 15 top-fives and 18 top-tens. While Joey Logano secured the Cup title and Chase Elliott claimed the Most Popular Driver award, Larson’s exceptional performance left fans and pundits asking: what’s next for this versatile star?
The question gained traction when Larson attempted the grueling 1,100-mile Double earlier this year, showcasing his prowess beyond stock car racing by dabbling in IndyCar and dirt racing. With Mario Andretti’s recent F1 venture adding fuel to speculation, fans began to wonder—could Larson make the jump to Formula 1?
F1 Rumors and Mario Andretti’s Praise
At the end of November, F1 approved Andretti Racing’s bid to become an 11th team on the grid by 2025. Backed by General Motors, the new Cadillac team reignites opportunities for American drivers, and Mario Andretti has openly admired Larson’s talent for years. “He just captured me in a very special way because I see a lot of myself there,” the 1987 F1 champion said in 2021.
Both Larson and Andretti share a reputation for versatility. Andretti remains the only driver to win the Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, and an F1 championship, and Larson has demonstrated a similar hunger for conquering various disciplines of motorsport.
NASCAR Veteran Slams the Idea
Despite the buzz surrounding Larson’s potential F1 crossover, NASCAR commentator Dave Moody strongly disagrees. Speaking on the Beating and Banging podcast, Moody dismissed the notion of Larson transitioning to F1 anytime soon.
“You’ve heard me rave about Kyle Larson for years now. He can finish second in a shopping cart. But they are not going to pluck him. Nobody is going to pluck Kyle Larson or anybody else out of a NASCAR stock car and say, ‘Come on, kid. We’re going to Europe and we’re putting you in an F1 car,’” Moody said.
Moody pointed out the stark differences between NASCAR and F1, emphasizing the physical and technical demands of open-wheel racing. “Never, ever, ever going to happen. It would be, in career terms, suicidal for Kyle Larson to try and do that as talented as he is. And it would be suicidal for a team to try and have someone do such a thing.”
Even Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, acknowledged Larson’s F1 curiosity in September but suggested it would take significant time to materialize. Moody echoed this sentiment: “If Kyle Larson wants to go Formula 1 racing, he’s three to five years down the road. Whether that would be something he’d entertain or not, I don’t know. But it’s not a one-year or two-year deal.”
The Challenges of F1
Breaking into F1 requires more than raw talent. Cars are custom-built around a driver’s racing style, and teams rely on years of refinement to achieve peak performance. For example, Red Bull’s RB19 rose to dominance by catering specifically to Max Verstappen’s driving capabilities.
Larson himself recognizes the immense challenge of a full-time F1 commitment. Speaking about a potential F1 test, he said, “I would like to, but, honestly, I would rather do it on one of those open test-style deals like after Abu Dhabi when other drivers are on the track, too. I think that driver swaps are really cool, but you don’t really have like a bar. You don’t have a gauge of where you stack up to others who do it.”
A Legacy of Versatility and Determination
Despite the skepticism, Larson’s track record speaks volumes. After weathering suspensions and sponsorship losses in 2020, Rick Hendrick took a chance on him, and Larson delivered spectacularly. In 2021, he won 10 races, led 2,581 laps, and claimed the championship in one of the most dominant seasons in NASCAR history.
He also triumphed outside NASCAR, winning the Coca-Cola 600, the Chili Bowl Nationals, and the Knoxville Nationals. Reflecting on his approach to racing, Larson said, “I want to be known as somebody who could climb into all different types of cars and be great at what they do.”
Andretti applauded this mindset in 2021: “It’s not just about trying. ‘OK, I’m going to give it a go.’ (It’s) win. Win. You have got to win in somebody else’s sandbox at their own game. That’s what gives you the ultimate satisfaction. That’s why you do it. It’s what drives you.”
What’s Next for Larson?
As Mario Andretti continues to express interest in Larson for his F1 project, the prospect of the NASCAR star joining the global motorsport stage remains tantalizing. However, with significant hurdles and mixed opinions from industry veterans, only time will tell if Kyle Larson adds an F1 chapter to his already illustrious career.
