In a bold and somewhat sensational claim, 2021 NASCAR champion Kyle Larson has stated that he considers himself a better "all-around driver" than three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen.
Larson, known for his versatility across various racing disciplines, made the assertion following his victory last weekend at the Knoxville Nationals, a prestigious event in gravel Sprint racing.
The 32-year-old driver currently has 27 NASCAR Cup wins under his belt as well as countless victories in other categories such as dirt track and Midget racing. Larson also conquered the Daytona 24 Hours in 2015 with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Earlier this year, the talented American charger was handed an accolade at the Indy 500, having concluded the blue riband event driving for Arrow McLaren as the best rookie in the field.
Read also: Montoya set for Watkin Glen Cup Series NASCAR return
After his latest triumph at the Knoxville Nationals, and after several of his rivals had suggested in the post-event press conference that he was the “greatest driver ever to live”, Larson was asked if he believed he was a better driver than F1's Max Verstappen.
His response was unambiguous.
“I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver,” he said, quoted by FloRacing.
“There’s no way Verstappen can get into a Sprint Car and win the Knoxville Nationals. There’s no way he can go win the Chili Bowl. There’s no way he can go win a Cup race at Bristol."
Larson acknowledged the challenges he would face if he were to compete in Formula 1, particularly at an iconic race like the Monaco Grand Prix.
However, he expressed confidence that he would fare better in Formula 1 than Verstappen would in other racing disciplines.
“There’s probably no way I can go win a Formula 1 race at Monaco, but I think I’d have a better shot doing what he does than him doing what I do just because of the car element,” he added.
“That’s what gives me ease and confidence that, like, I know I’m better than him.
“Maybe not in an open-wheel IndyCar or Formula 1 car, but that’s one discipline. I think I would beat him in everything else. You can quote that.”
Verstappen, widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, has achieved extraordinary success in what is considered the pinnacle of motorsport.
The Dutchman’s dominance in Grand Prix racing has earned him a reputation as a generational talent. However, Larson's comments challenge the notion that success in one discipline necessarily translates across the spectrum of motorsport.
Ultimately, determining the "better" driver is subjective and depends on individual preferences and criteria.
However, Larson's confidence in his abilities is undeniable, and his statement has undoubtedly added fuel to the ongoing debate about the greatest racing drivers of this generation.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
