Kyle Larson has often been called the “greatest driver in the world” by fans, thanks to his impressive performances across sprint cars, NASCAR, and recently IndyCar. While this acclaim has followed him for years, Larson himself remains grounded about the title, reflecting on his career and future ambitions in motorsports.

Although many regard Larson as the most versatile and talented driver currently competing, his strongest competition for that top distinction comes from four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. Larson has openly discussed what it means to be considered the greatest and how the label motivates him to continue improving and achieving more behind the wheel.

Kyle Larson’s Perspective on Being Called the “Greatest Driver”

During a recent appearance on Prime Video, Larson addressed the widespread admiration he has received. He explained that while he is grateful for the recognition, he doesn’t necessarily consider himself the greatest driver in the world just yet.

“Well, I, although the public thinks that I think that, I don’t necessarily think that I’m the greatest in the world,”

Larson said.

“But, no, I’ve heard the accolades and the comments and all that for a long, long time, and being compared to Jeff [Gordon] or Tony [Stewart] or even sometimes Mario [Andretti] and AJ Foyt, guys like that, and it makes me feel really good. But I’m still, I’m only 32 and I’ve got a lot of racing left to do, and I hope I can accomplish a lot more to really feel like I’m deserving of that credit, but I do appreciate it and it just makes me kind of have more drive to try and live up to that hype, I guess.”

—Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver

This mindset has helped Larson maintain his focus and composure on race days, contributing to his typically dominant wins and consistent success in the high-pressure world of NASCAR.

The Challenge of Adding Another Championship

Although Larson has secured a NASCAR Cup Series championship, capturing a second title has proven elusive. His attempts over recent years, including efforts to win both NASCAR’s Cup and IndyCar’s events in a single season, have brought mixed results. These challenges have sometimes overshadowed his claim to being the greatest, but Larson’s versatility across different racing formats remains impressive.

Plenty of Racing Years Remain for Larson

At just 32 years old, Larson has expressed that he still has a great deal of racing ahead. Driving for Hendrick Motorsports, he has not ruled out the possibility of leaving NASCAR earlier than some peers to pursue other disciplines while still in his prime.

Veteran drivers like Denny Hamlin, who continues competing successfully at 44, show that a long, competitive career is possible. Even drivers such as Harry Gant and Mark Martin achieved remarkable victories well into their 50s. If Larson can compete at a high level for another 12 to 18 years, the scope of his accomplishments could expand dramatically.

Exploring Racing Beyond NASCAR

Larson has often expressed interest in branching out to other types of racing, much like legends Mario Andretti and AJ Foyt who competed in various series throughout their careers. He has mentioned a desire to try racing in the V8 Supercars, and could also pursue prestigious endurance events like the Rolex 24 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Additionally, Larson’s passion for dirt racing remains strong, and he plans to keep competing on dirt tracks for as long as he can physically handle the sport. Many fans hope he will have an opportunity to at least test an F1 car someday before his racing journey ends.

Legacy Still in the Making

Kyle Larson has built a remarkable foundation that supports his recognition as one of the top drivers worldwide. Despite the praise and comparisons to historic greats such as Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Mario Andretti, and AJ Foyt, Larson acknowledges that his career achievements are far from complete. His determination and versatility across multiple racing disciplines suggest he has many milestones yet to reach.

With his youth, talent, and ambitious spirit, Larson is positioned to shape his legacy further, continuing to chase championships and possibly expanding into new racing challenges that could cement his place among the all-time greats.