Connor Zilisch, an 18-year-old racing talent competing full-time with JR Motorsports in NASCAR, recently discussed his potential transition to Formula 1 during an appearance on Corey LaJoie’s Stacking Pennies podcast. While currently focused on NASCAR, Zilisch acknowledged that a move to Formula 1 is not entirely out of the question due to his Red Bull association and the upcoming entry of Cadillac into the F1 landscape.

Driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team, Zilisch has already demonstrated remarkable promise with multiple ARCA victories and four wins in the Xfinity Series over two years. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, he remains one of the sport’s brightest prospects.

Dreams of Formula One Racing and Path to Super License

Reflecting on his aspirations, Zilisch revealed that Formula 1 had been his childhood goal. His earlier karting experience in Europe fueled this ambition, although opportunities in F1 seemed limited during his younger years.

“It’s always in the back of my mind,” Connor Zilisch told LaJoie (44:05). “Growing up, that was my dream. I wanted to race F1. I went to Europe when I was a kid, racing go-karts, and it’s what I wanted to do. It’s just..when I was younger, I didn’t really have the chance.” —Connor Zilisch, NASCAR driver and Red Bull athlete

Zilisch highlighted that the arrival of an American team, Cadillac, in Formula 1 next year, combined with his Red Bull connections, has opened a doorway to that dream.

“And now, you know, with an American team getting brought to F1, having connections with Red Bull, being kind of tied in there, I’d say the chances aren’t zero,” he added. —Connor Zilisch, NASCAR driver and Red Bull athlete

However, he made clear that securing a super license would require competing in lower-tier series like FIA Formula 3 for at least one to two years before making the leap to Formula 1.

Showdown at Sonoma: Zilisch Outsmarts Van Gisbergen

Zilisch recently faced off against NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane van Gisbergen, his teammate at JR Motorsports, in the Xfinity Series race at Sonoma Raceway. Their encounters highlight the intensity and competitiveness surrounding Zilisch’s burgeoning career.

The previous week at Chicago, van Gisbergen edged out Zilisch by 0.823 seconds after starting from pole position. At Sonoma, van Gisbergen again claimed the pole, but Zilisch managed to hold him off, finishing 0.438 seconds ahead.

“I couldn’t do it without wrecking him, so just tried every trick I could,” Gisbergen said during his post-race interview. “But he drove so well and couldn’t get him. And I think it was the last lap into (Turn) 7, I got there but wheel-hopped, pushed him wide and yeah…could have gone but just waited. I didn’t want to do it like that.” —Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series driver

Upcoming Race and What Lies Ahead for Zilisch

Following his recent victory, Zilisch is preparing for the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway, slated for Saturday, July 19. The race will consist of 200 laps and will be broadcast on the CW network starting at 4:30 pm ET, with live radio coverage available via PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Connor Zilisch’s status as a promising NASCAR competitor with ties to Red Bull and potential entry routes into Formula 1 positions him uniquely at the crossroads of American and global motorsport. His career progression over the next two years, including possible stints in FIA F3 to accumulate super license points, will determine whether the 18-year-old can realize the longstanding dream of racing in Formula 1.