Dale Earnhardt Jr., a celebrated figure in NASCAR and a two-time champion of the Daytona 500, recently engaged in a conversation about a variety of subjects, including the upcoming racing season, past career reflections, and even a potential appearance in the 2028 Fast and Furious film.
As the son of the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr., Earnhardt Jr. also delved into his love for Formula 1 and expressed interest in which contemporary F1 talents he would like to see transition to NASCAR.
In recent years, notable Formula 1 champions such as Jenson Button, Kimi Raikkonen, and Jacques Villeneuve have made their mark by participating in select NASCAR events. When discussing the most accomplished F1 drivers in NASCAR history, figures like Dan Gurney, who secured five Cup victories, Juan Pablo Montoya, with two wins and an impressive eighth-place finish in points, and Mario Andretti, who triumphed in the Daytona 500 more than a decade before earning his F1 championship, came to light.
“I would genuinely love to see Max Verstappen give it a shot,” Earnhardt remarked, despite Verstappen having declined previous offers from NASCAR and IndyCar. “His talent is remarkable, and I believe his inquisitiveness and dedication would significantly contribute to his success in our sport.”
He further noted changes in NASCAR vehicles over the years, stating, “Our cars have evolved considerably. With advancements like independent rear suspension and transaxle diffusers, the current vehicles are not comparable to those from 10 or 20 years ago. Thus, the chances for an F1 driver to excel in NASCAR are much greater today.”
Earnhardt also brought up Daniel Ricciardo, who famously drove the No. 3 in F1 as a tribute to Dale Sr. “I had hoped Daniel Ricciardo might move to NASCAR after his departure from Formula 1, and that possibility is still on the table. He’s still relatively young and has a bright future ahead of him.”
While NASCAR remains at the forefront of his life, Earnhardt proudly identifies as an F1 enthusiast, having followed the sport since the intense rivalries of Mika Häkkinen and Michael Schumacher in the 1990s. He expressed admiration for Schumacher, the seven-time world champion who held the record for the most wins in F1 until Sir Lewis Hamilton surpassed it. Earnhardt often contemplated what Schumacher might achieve in a NASCAR vehicle.
“I was a dedicated follower of F1 during the epic battles between Michael Schumacher and Mika Häkkinen. Those were thrilling times. I’ve always wondered how Michael would have fared in a stock car,” he reflected.
“I wished to know his thoughts on driving in NASCAR. In my view, Michael Schumacher stands as the greatest racer I have ever seen, considering all that he accomplished. While Dale Earnhardt is my hero, Michael was truly exceptional.”
“Regrettably, I never had the chance to gauge his perspective on stock cars, but I find it exhilarating when drivers from diverse racing backgrounds, whether from F1 or other series, come over to try our vehicles. Their insights and experiences are invaluable, and I hold immense respect for their skills and disciplines. It’s fascinating to hear their viewpoints on the differences between our racing styles.”
