Kyle Larson, the Hendrick Motorsports driver, recently highlighted how the increasing popularity of Formula One in the United States has impacted NASCAR’s domestic expansion. Speaking on the Field Day podcast with Adam Garfield, Larson emphasized that Formula One’s surge, driven in part by the Netflix docuseries Drive to Survive, has made it more challenging for NASCAR to grow as rapidly as it hopes.
Though both are premier motorsport series, Larson noted that while NASCAR offers intense and exciting racing, F1’s glamorous appeal and massive investments give it an edge in capturing attention. He said,
I don’t know if it’s taken it (NASCAR’s growth and audience) away. Maybe at times it makes it harder for us to grow as quickly as we want to. We’re in a growth but I think it maybe could be steeper.
Larson pointed out that Formula One’s billion-dollar budgets and technological advancements contribute significantly to its allure. He added,
I just think F1 has that cool factor because there’s just billions of dollars in it. Celebrities show up and all that. The technology in the cars is crazy. But if you’re looking for pure racing, our product is amazing. There’s actual passing. There are battles for the lead. Formula One, they have to have DRS to even allow passing. That kind of makes it fake in my opinion,
underscoring his view that NASCAR delivers more genuine competition on the track.
Despite lacking Formula One’s global prestige, NASCAR has made strides to revitalize fan interest within the United States. The introduction of its own Netflix docuseries, Full Speed, alongside hosting its first international points-paying Cup Series race in Mexico City, reflects efforts to appeal to a wider audience. However, it remains uncertain how effectively these strategies can counter Formula One’s expanding presence in the U.S. market.
Kyle Larson’s Racing Career and Possible Future in Formula One
Larson expanded his racing portfolio by debuting in the IndyCar Series in 2024, competing twice in the prestigious Indianapolis 500. His strong performances have sparked speculation about a potential transition to Formula One. Widely regarded as one of NASCAR’s top drivers, Larson is viewed as a rare candidate who might successfully bridge the two disciplines.
Nevertheless, Larson revealed that no opportunity to race in Formula One has been presented to him so far. He commented,
Never been asked to drive in F1. I think it’s tough coming from my background of dirt tracks and ovals.
While content with his roles in NASCAR and IndyCar, he acknowledged he would be open to a chance in Formula One if it ever arose.
As both NASCAR and Formula One continue to compete for U.S. motorsport fans, Larson’s perspective highlights the challenges and opportunities facing American racing. With Formula One’s expanding popularity and NASCAR’s efforts to innovate and grow, the coming years will be crucial in determining how both series evolve within the country’s racing landscape.