Max Verstappen’s Remark About His Wish to Drive a NASCAR Ride Turns Heads…
Max Verstappen’s recent remarks about potentially stepping into a NASCAR ride have stirred excitement across the motorsport community. While the three-time Formula 1 World Champion has previously expressed admiration for NASCAR, he has also acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to stock car racing. In a 2022 interview, Verstappen noted that NASCAR is “not easy” and would require significant time to master, highlighting the distinct skill set needed compared to Formula 1.
Despite these challenges, Verstappen’s interest in NASCAR has been evident. He has engaged in NASCAR races through simulators and has expressed enjoyment in watching the sport, particularly praising Shane van Gisbergen’s impressive debut win at the Chicago street race. Moreover, Verstappen’s connections to NASCAR run deeper through personal relationships; his partner, Kelly Piquet, is the sister of Julia Piquet, who is married to NASCAR driver Daniel Suárez.
Adding to the speculation, Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91, known for bringing international drivers into NASCAR, has hinted at the possibility of Verstappen making a cameo appearance. While no official plans have been announced, the team’s history of featuring drivers like Kimi Räikkönen suggests that such a crossover is within the realm of possibility.
Furthermore, NASCAR’s recent introduction of the ‘Open Exemption Provisional’ (OEP) rule allows elite drivers from other racing series to participate in events like the Daytona 500 without committing to a full season. This rule change could pave the way for Verstappen to explore NASCAR racing without disrupting his Formula 1 commitments.
While Verstappen has not confirmed any immediate plans to race in NASCAR, his comments and the evolving landscape of motorsport suggest that a future appearance is not out of the question. Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly watching to see if the F1 champion will take on the unique challenges of NASCAR racing.
