A question has prevailed since time immemorial: Who is the best race car driver? From time and again, many have come up to claim the title, but these names and faces keep changing. Currently, NASCAR’s dominant force Kyle Larson has heated the market with his ‘wild’ claims. Why wild? Because he just compared his skills to an F1 driver. With whom? Max Verstappen. Notably, the NASCAR star hasn’t backed down from throwing an open challenge at the Dutchman.

You know, there’s something oddly interesting about the F1 community: They never miss a chance to criticize Max for his opinions or actions, but when the time comes, they’re the first ones to defend him. This time, both NASCAR and F1 fans have come down to the arena to claim that their ruling stars are the best. However, a calm message from Red Bull‘s pillar Max could surely silence the debate.

Speaking during the Spanish GP, the Flying Dutchman had nothing but words of appreciation for Kyle Larson. He said that he respected all the drivers out there in motorsport. Max Verstappen thinks “versatility” matters in the world of speeding cars. “Kyle Larson did indie and he does dirt. I think that’s really cool too,” said Verstappen. However, the F1 star strongly believes that such debates shouldn’t occur, “We should not have that debate because everyone is good in their own right. I wouldn’t be good in dirt. Maybe if I practice… I don’t know. I think at the end of the day, a good racing driver picks up things quite quickly.”

Some might say, this is the most calm response Max has ever given, which is true, to be honest. We know how straightforward and blunt he can be at times, but given the situation, a classy response was all that was needed. Max also emphasized that a driver’s skills depend on where he’s grown up. For him, he grew up on the go-karting tracks so F1 came to him quite naturally. Moreover, Verstappen’s emphasis on mutual respect is also noteworthy.

Kyle Larson strongly believes he has a fair chance against Max Verstappen

Sometimes certain unexpected challenges are nothing but entertainment. Like, imagine if Kyle Larson were to actually go up against Max Verstappen! Wouldn’t that be a cinematic moment? But we wonder which cars they’d choose to compete in; and surely, the motorsport giants could come on a mutual ground in that case! However, Larson strongly believes he’ll be victorious regardless of the equipment or machinery. “I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver,” said the NASCAR icon.

Larson, who already has a Cup Series title, Crown Jewel wins in NASCAR, and multiple Sprint Car and Dirt Car racing victories to his name, doesn’t truly need a public validation of any kind. But his open challenge to F1’s reigning world champion could be a figment of his mind, looking for a thrill. Moreover, Kyle Larson isn’t someone who makes such bold claims, so it is pretty surprising for the motorsport fans. He firmly believes Max Verstappen cannot knock him down in Knoxville Nationals or win a Chilli Bowl against him. But Larson is aware he can never take over Monaco against the Red Bull superstar.

This sudden urge to challenge an F1 star has brought some criticism for Kyle Larson, but the way Max has handled the situation is commendable. It will remain unknown who’s the better driver- Kyle or Max, unless they choose to go down to a track of their choice and fight it out. Who do you think will have the upper hand if something like this happens? Moreover, do you believe Verstappen’s response to this challenge was classy? Let us know in the comments below.