The age-old debate of NASCAR vs. Formula 1 heated up like never before. Recently, Kyle Larson, one of NASCAR’s brightest stars, boldly claimed that he’s a better all-around driver than the soon-to-be four-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen. While we’re still waiting for a head-to-head showdown between Larson and Verstappen, Red Bull gave fans a taste of that rivalry by pitting their F1 drivers against some of NASCAR’s finest. The stage was set: Shane Van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch teamed up to give Red Bull Racing’s Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson a crash course in NASCAR stock car racing.

In a special feature video on Red Bull Motorsports’ YouTube channel, the Visa CashApp RB duo was introduced to the rough-and-tumble world of NASCAR dirt racing just outside Austin, Texas, ahead of the U.S. Grand Prix. Their challenge? Mastering 500-horsepower V8 stock cars on a dirt oval track with the expert guidance of Van Gisbergen and Zilisch. The event was all about seeing if F1’s rising stars can handle the rugged demands of American stock car racing. And boy, it did not disappoint.

Tsunoda and Lawson Tackle the Dirt with SVG and Connor Zilisch

First things first: Shane Van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch had to break down the basics for their F1 pupils. Stock cars, especially on dirt, are a whole different beast compared to the high-tech F1 machines that Tsunoda and Lawson are accustomed to. The NASCAR coaches set up cones on the track to guide the F1 drivers through different racing lines. The challenge? Learning when to run high on the outside or dive down low on the inside while controlling these heavy, rear-wheel-drive monsters.

Yuki Tsunoda, known for his fearless driving and explosive radio messages in F1, was the first to take on the challenge in his #22 car. Despite the new terrain, the 24-year-old Japanese driver adapted quickly, nailing his lines on the first attempt. It was an impressive display from Tsunoda, who looked surprisingly at ease sliding through the turns. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson, who just completed his eighth start in Formula 1 usurping the beloved Daniel Ricciardo, had a bit more of a learning curve. The Kiwi clipped a cone while trying to master the outside line, putting him on the back foot early on. With Tsunoda taking round one, the score was 1-0.

Next up was the speed trap test, where the F1 drivers had to find the sweet spot in terms of speed and angle. Shane Van Gisbergen and Zilisch advised them to keep their entry speed between 65 to 75 mph to maximize their exit momentum. Going too slow would kill their lap times while going too fast could send them into a spin. Tsunoda started strong but pushed a bit too hard on his second run, spinning out spectacularly. Lawson, however, seemed to find his rhythm, putting together a series of smooth runs at around 73 mph. That performance leveled the playing field at 1-1.

With one challenge each under their belts, it was time for a showdown. A short 5-lap race was set up to see who could truly master these stock cars. Qualifying saw Tsunoda edge out Lawson with a blistering lap time of 21.1993 seconds, just fractions quicker than Lawson’s 21.2453-second effort. The competitive spirit between the two teammates was palpable as they lined up for a rolling start. Tsunoda got the jump, and despite Lawson’s best efforts to find a way past it, Yuki held his nerve to take the win. Final score? Tsunoda 3 – Lawson 1. Afterward, the two drivers embraced the challenge with a handshake, showcasing the camaraderie despite the fierce competition.

F1 Meets NASCAR: A Growing Trend

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This isn’t the first time modern F1 drivers have dabbled in NASCAR, and it certainly won’t be the last. The crossover between these two worlds is becoming increasingly popular, with drivers like Kimi Räikkönen and Jenson Button testing their skills in the unpredictable and high-octane environment of American stock car racing.

Kimi Räikkönen, the 2007 Formula 1 World Champion, dipped his toes into NASCAR back in 2011. He made his debut in the Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports, followed by a brief stint in the Xfinity Series. After an 11-year hiatus, the Iceman returned in 2022 as part of Trackhouse Racing‘s “Project 91,” aiming to bring international talent into NASCAR. At Watkins Glen, Räikkönen showed promise but was caught in a mid-race collision. He returned in 2023 for another Cup Series run at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), finishing 29th.

Jenson Button, the 2009 F1 Champion, also joined the NASCAR ranks in 2023, partnering with Rick Ware Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing. Button’s debut came at COTA, where he impressively finished 18th despite battling extreme heat and the physical toll of handling stock cars. He went on to compete in the Chicago Street Race and the Indy road course, finishing 21st and 28th, respectively. But perhaps the most headline-grabbing moment was Button’s venture into the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In 2023, Button teamed up with NASCAR legends like Jimmie Johnson and endurance ace Mike Rockenfeller to take a modified NASCAR Next Gen Cup car to the Le Mans circuit as part of the Garage 56 project. The unique entry, a collaboration between NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, and Chevrolet, was a tribute to stock car racing’s potential to compete on the world stage. The team not only completed the grueling endurance race but also earned praise for their adaptability and spirit.

The exchange between F1 and NASCAR is proving to be more than just a novelty. As drivers like Button, Räikkönen, Tsunoda, and Lawson continue to embrace the challenge of stock car racing, it’s clear that the lines between these two motorsport worlds are starting to blur. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll get that much-anticipated showdown between Max Verstappen and Kyle Larson. But until then, fans can enjoy the spectacle of F1 stars learning the ropes of NASCAR, one dirt track at a time.

Whether it’s ripping through dirt ovals or taking on the curves of Suzuka, these drivers are proving that great racers can thrive in any environment.