Dale Earnhardt Jr. has expressed his desire for former Red Bull teammates Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen to try their skills in NASCAR. With Ricciardo now a free agent after departing Formula 1 in 2024 and Verstappen preparing for his 12th F1 season, Earnhardt Jr. sees an opportunity for them to explore stock car racing. This appeal comes amid the ongoing conversation about F1 stars switching to NASCAR and the rarity of drivers crossing between these two disciplines.
Rarity and History of F1 Drivers in NASCAR
Only a handful of drivers have competed in both Formula 1 and NASCAR, with notable names such as Juan Pablo Montoya, Kimi Räikkönen, Jacques Villeneuve, Christian Fittipaldi, and the legendary Mario Andretti making the jump. However, this crossover remains uncommon compared to the more frequent exchanges between F1 and IndyCar. Recently, Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher, joined NASCAR’s Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, marking a recent example of such a transition.
Last year, a spirited public debate unfolded about who ranks as the best all-around racing driver, focusing on NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson and Max Verstappen, with both drivers engaging in the discussion.
Earnhardt Jr On Ricciardo’s NASCAR Prospects
Though Verstappen has shown little interest in switching to NASCAR, Earnhardt Jr., a Hall of Famer, remains hopeful about Ricciardo making the move.
“I was hoping that Daniel Ricciardo would come to NASCAR after his decision to leave Formula 1, and that may still happen,”
Earnhardt Jr. told Hard Rock Bet. “Daniel’s still relatively young.”
A Call for Verstappen to Explore NASCAR
Earnhardt Jr. didn’t stop at Ricciardo, also expressing enthusiasm about Verstappen potentially racing in NASCAR.
“I would love to see Max Verstappen give it a try,”
he said.
“He’s incredible, and I think his curiosity, his work ethic, I think all of that would play a great role in allowing him to be successful.”
Modern NASCAR Cars and Easier Transitions for F1 Drivers
Earnhardt Jr. highlighted that NASCAR vehicles have evolved significantly, making the transition for F1 drivers smoother than in the past. He pointed out technical updates such as independent rear suspension and transaxle diffusers that have transformed NASCAR cars from the traditional stock car models driven decades ago.
“Plus, our cars have changed a lot,”
he stated.
“Our cars have independent rear suspension, the transaxle diffuser… Our cars aren’t the stock cars from 10, 20 years ago, and so I think the opportunity for an F1 guy to have success is much better today than it was 20 years ago.”
Verstappen’s Exploring Alternative Motorsport Routes
Rather than turning to NASCAR, Max Verstappen has shown interest in branching into other motorsport events. Recently, he participated in a private Supercar test in Australia and has expressed curiosity about competing in the Bathurst 1000, one of the country’s most prestigious races. He confirmed,
“I drove it last week, it was lots of fun, maybe [I will do] Bathurst.”
Verstappen’s ambitions also extend to endurance racing. At 28 years old, he plans to tackle the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2026, having earned the required license last year, and is targeting an eventual entry into the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Implications of F1 Stars Moving into NASCAR
If figures like Ricciardo or Verstappen decide to pursue NASCAR careers, it could signal a significant shift in motorsport dynamics. Their involvement might boost NASCAR’s global visibility and attract wider audiences, while also setting new standards for crossover success in racing disciplines. With NASCAR evolving technologically and gaining modern appeal, F1 drivers might find the challenge both rewarding and strategically beneficial for their careers.
