At just 18 years old, Connor Zilisch is already making a significant impact within NASCAR’s competitive environment. With several ARCA wins, four Xfinity Series victories in two years, and growing involvement in the Cup Series, Zilisch is attracting considerable attention. While he may soon take over Daniel Suarez’s ride with Trackhouse Racing next season, Zilisch is also contemplating a potential transition from Connor Zilisch NASCAR to Formula One, an ambitious shift that reflects his long-held dream to compete on the global stage.

Early Dream Fueled by European Karting Experience

During a recent discussion with Corey LaJoie and Skip Flores on the Stacking Pennies podcast, Zilisch revealed his enduring passion for Formula One. Reflecting on his childhood in Europe, where he participated in go-kart racing, he said,

“Growing up, that was my dream. I wanted to race F1,”

—Connor Zilisch. Although opportunities to progress in European open-wheel racing were limited at the time, his desire to reach Formula One never faded.

New Opportunities with Cadillac and Red Bull Connections

The landscape appears to be shifting, thanks to Cadillac’s entrance into F1 and emerging ties with Red Bull. This evolving framework increases the possibility of young drivers like Zilisch making the jump. He cautiously admitted,

“I’d say the chances aren’t zero,”

—Connor Zilisch, acknowledging that despite hopeful indications, the path remains highly challenging and uncertain.

Challenges Ahead: Super License and Racing Credentials

To secure an F1 super license, Zilisch must compete in lower-tier formula series such as F3, and accumulate points through various international events, including those held in the Middle East. Recognizing the demands, he emphasized his focus on establishing a firm reputation within NASCAR first.

“I’d want to make a name for myself here and be settled in before I took the chance to go and do it. But I would love to take that chance if maybe things aren’t going the way I want here. It’s definitely in the back of my mind,”

—Connor Zilisch.

Experience Racing Against Top European Prospects

Zilisch shared that he has competed closely with some of Europe’s rising talents, including Andrea Kimi Antonelli, an F1 rookie with Mercedes, and Arvid Lindblad, an F2 driver affiliated with the Red Bull Junior Team. These matchups provided valuable insights into the caliber of competition he would face if pursuing the Formula One route.

Adjusting to New Environments and Cultures Abroad

While confident in his road racing abilities, Zilisch is aware that Formula One brings new complexities beyond just the racing itself. He noted,

“Everything changes when you go to Europe,”

—Connor Zilisch, highlighting the cultural and language challenges that come with racing internationally. Despite these obstacles, the desire to explore this possibility remains firmly alive within him.

The Road Forward for Zilisch’s Racing Career

Connor Zilisch’s consideration of a move from NASCAR to Formula One illustrates the evolving ambitions of young drivers willing to explore multiple racing disciplines. His strong foundation in NASCAR, combined with early European racing experiences and connections to key teams like Cadillac and Red Bull, position him uniquely to pursue such a transition. The situation remains fluid, with his NASCAR success likely influencing whether he embarks on the demanding journey toward Formula One.