Max Verstappen Shuts Down NASCAR Driver Kyle Larson's Confident Statement

Max Verstappen counters Kyle Larson's confidence with respect and a reality check on racing skills.

May 5, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen (1) reacts after finishing second in the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports / Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Formula 1's three-time champion Max Verstappen recently addressed NASCAR star Kyle Larson's assertive claims about his superior versatility as a driver.

During an interview with motorsport content creator Ash Vandelay, Verstappen shared his thoughts on the unique attributes required across different racing disciplines.

Verstappen acknowledged Larson's diverse racing background, noting:

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

Despite the commendation, the Red Bull driver was quick to downplay the productive merits of comparing skills from distinct motorsport forms like Formula 1 and NASCAR. He noteed the in-built challenges and specialization required in each, asserting:

"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."

I asked Max Verstappen his opinion on the “Best driver in the world?” debate at the Barcelona GP.

“Honestly I think I should first say we should not have that debate. Cause everyone is good in their own right.” pic.twitter.com/exOn8DgjcE

— AshVandelay (@AshVandelay) August 19, 2024

The Dutch racing icon's comments were a direct response to Larson’s confident assertion as reported by FloRacing. Larson claimed:

“Not really. I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver.

“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 at him (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.”

2024 F1 Driver Standings Ahead of Dutch Grand Prix

1. Max Verstappen - 277 points
2. Lando Norris - 199 points
3. Charles Leclerc - 177 points
4. Oscar Piastri - 167 points
5. Carlos Sainz - 162 points
6. Lewis Hamilton - 150 points
7. Sergio Perez - 131 points
8. George Russell - 116 points
9. Fernando Alonso - 49 points
10. Lance Stroll - 24 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg - 22 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda - 22 points
13. Daniel Ricciardo - 12 points
14. Oliver Bearman - 6 points
15. Pierre Gasly - 6 points
16. Kevin Magnussen - 5 points
17. Esteban Ocon - 5 points
18. Alex Albon - 4 points
19. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points
20. Logan Sargeant - 0 points
21. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points