‘It was an option this year’: Why Kyle Larson didn’t race in F1 this year

NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson has often been linked to a Formula 1 drive as the Hendrick Motorsports driver makes waves in global motorsports with his second Indy 500 appearance slated for next year.

Participating in the famous event with an Arrow McLaren SP-Hendrick Motorsports partnership, Larson was often in touch with McLaren CEO Zack Brown, who expressed interest in Larson getting into the team’s F1 cars sooner rather than later .

The driver swap/test session was also one of the most anticipated crossovers in motorsports in modern times, with Larson one of the few Cup drivers today to be hailed as a generational talent. His ability to adapt to various types of race cars and situations, along with his dirt racing exploits, make the Elk Grove, Calif., native a perfect fit for such an opportunity.

The No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driver’s comments targeting F1 world champion Max Verstappen have also fueled his foray into the pinnacle of motorsport, as they call it.

Building on the opportunities that have come his way, the 32-year-old recently spoke about the subject on Kevin Harvick’s podcast, immediately following his dominant win at Bristol Motor Speedway last Sunday, adding the reason he didn’t participate in the same year this year.

“I’d love to do it and it looks like hopefully I’ll get there. I think it was an option this year. It’s just that I have so much to do that it’s like I have to plan it probably a year in advance or more.”

Larson further added how he would prefer to drive during an F1 open test session to compare himself to other open-wheel drivers and said: “I’d rather do it with one of those open test offers like after Abu Dhabi when other drivers are on track. I’d love to be able to link up with 19 other cars and really see where you’re at.”

“I hope I’m not the last”

With aspirations of judging themselves against open-wheel racing in the Formula 1 field, Larson he also explained how he would be excited to compete against some of his fellow race car drivers from around the world.

“Obviously, I don’t think I would be the best, but I would hope not to be the last. I think that would show how good American oval racers are. That would be nice,” said the HMS regulator.

It remains to be seen how soon he can find an F1 car to jump into to measure his level against the open-wheel drivers. The change looks unlikely to happen this year, with the No. 5 driver and crew currently challenging for the ultimate prize in stock car racing in the 2024 postseason.