Max Verstappen hits the brakes on NASCAR and admits he’s scared

Max Verstappen isn’t one to shy away from challenges, but when it comes to oval racing, the Dutch Formula 1 champion prefers to stay out of it. In an interview cited by EssentiallySports, the Red Bull driver was blunt. He has no intention of competing in NASCAR, particularly on tracks like Daytona or Talladega. “I enjoy watching all kinds of racing. But on ovals, I don’t want to race because of the risk of injury or crashing into the wall,” he said.

Max Verstappen’s stance isn’t arbitrary. The fatal crash of Dale Earnhardt in 2001, during the final lap of the Daytona 500, remains a sobering reminder for anyone evaluating the dangers of American motorsport. Although NASCAR has introduced safety upgrades like the HANS device and SAFER barriers, Verstappen remains skeptical. He believes that pack racing and close-quarter driving make mistakes far more unpredictable and dangerous.

Formula 1 vs NASCAR

Max Verstappen knows what danger feels like—he survived a 51G crash at the 2021 British Grand Prix. But in Formula 1, drivers benefit from carbon-fiber monocoques, Halo systems, and generous runoff areas designed to absorb impact. In NASCAR, the wall is closer, and the margin for error is razor-thin.

The 28-year-old champion doesn’t rule out exploring other racing categories in the future. But only if the risk is matched by a meaningful sporting reward. “If you’ve already proven yourself in Formula 1, maybe you can win more there too. That’s something I’d love,” Max Verstappen reflected. For him, it’s not about chasing thrills—it’s about chasing titles that matter.

Max on Oval racing

“I like watching it. For me its just on Oval. I dont want to do it just for the risk of injury. U know when u hit the fence its not worth it. When u did your stuff in f1 yeah u can win more there and I would probably love that but its not worth the risk of an… pic.twitter.com/MZiFWJc42v

— Laura 🦋 (@formuLau16) November 7, 2025

While Max Verstappen stands firm in his decision, Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks drew a parallel between the Dutchman and his rising star Connor Zilisch. The 19-year-old driver, with 10 wins this season, has shown early promise reminiscent of Verstappen’s F1 debut at age 17. Zilisch has even expressed interest in trying out single-seaters someday, though he admits that the leap to the NASCAR Cup Series will be a major challenge.

Inevitable comparisons

Marks signed Zilisch for the 2026 season following Daniel Suárez’s departure, pairing him with Shane van Gisbergen, who could become a mentor. Zilisch, a longtime admirer of Max Verstappen, understands that comparisons are inevitable—but also knows that NASCAR demands patience, adaptability, and grit.

Ultimately, Max Verstappen remains a symbol of precision and competitive calculation. His refusal to race on ovals isn’t fear—it’s strategy. And while others charge toward the wall, he continues to carve his path with surgical focus inside Formula 1.