Kyle Larson’s recent comments on Max Verstappen have sent social media and the racing world into a frenzy.
The Hendrick Motorsports’ driver made headlines for his statement on the three-time Formula 1 world champion, as Larson claimed that he is a ‘better all-round’ driver than Verstappen.
Larson, who has great experience in many categories in motorsport such as IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship, also claimed that Verstappen could not come over to NASCAR and do what he does.
The comments predictably caused widespread debate over who was the better driver. Dakar rally competitor Tim Coronel laughed at Larson’s comments and would like the two to have a race to decide the matter.
And speaking on the Missed Apex Formula 1 Podcast, Juan Pablo Montoya gave his take on Larson’s comments.
Juan Pablo Montoya shares his thoughts on Kyle Larson-Max Verstappen debate
Montoya is more than qualified to give a strong opinion on the debate, having raced in both Formula 1 and NASCAR.
The Colombian drove with Williams and McLaren in his F1 career from 2000 to 2006, winning seven races and grabbing 13 pole positions and 30 podiums.
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The 46-year-old moved to NASCAR full-time in 2007, winning two Cup Series races in seven seasons. Montoya will make his return this year with 23XI Racing at Watkins Glen.
When asked to give comment about Larson saying that he could beat Verstappen in anything other than a Formula 1, Montoya replied: “So you can beat him, but not at what Max is good at. How does that work? You know what I mean?
“I think Kyle is a really good driver and he’s very good at his own discipline, the same way Max is very very good at his own discipline.
“But from a global standpoint of view, in America, they play basketball and they’re world champions when they’re playing against Americans. Where in Europe or the rest of the world you race a world championship.
“When you win an IndyCar championship or you win a NASCAR championship, for NBA or whatever you want to call it, they’re not world championships, they’re championships made in America, and the level is amazing and what they do is amazing.
“I mean, I think IndyCar, NASCAR, I think they’re great championships and I was very proud to be part of them, but the only truly world championship event there is, it’s Formula 1.
“I like Kyle and I think he’s a great driver and he’s done amazing things and what he says, you know I mean he’s won all the dirt races and dirt things. But Max has done the same and more against probably, you know, top world drivers.”
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Kyle Larson is chasing the Cup Series title in 2024
Larson is in contention for his second Cup Series title this season, but the championship has been blown wide open after the last race at Daytona.
The 32-year-old failed to finish inside the top 20 at the last two races. Larson was caught up in several accidents at Daytona as Harrison Burton claimed his first Cup Series victory.
Tyler Reddick leads the championship after his victory at Michigan by 17 points over Larson, with Chase Elliott sat one point behind in third.
The next round at Darlington is the final race of the regular season before the playoffs get under way at Atlanta Motor Speedway.