Kyle Larson doubles down on Max Verstappen comments, addresses detractors

When it comes to the title of “Best Driver in the World,” a couple of names pop up: Kyle Larson and Max Verstappen. The do-it-all, race-it-all American NASCAR driver who spends his days out of a stock car racing sprint cars, dirt late models, and even IndyCar. Then, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, who also boasts a diverse racing background.

Until you line Kyle Larson and Max Verstappen up in the same race, we likely will never know which of them is the “best.” Last year, Larson said that he was more of a better “all-around” driver than Verstappen.

When you consider his accolades on dirt, his Indy 500 attempt last season, and his NASCAR success, Larson has a point. Verstappen pretty much only races F1 with a few one-offs here and there. Larson is racing two, three, four times a week sometimes.

Speaking to Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, Larson was asked about the Verstappen comments. He was also asked about those who sarcastically pull out the “Best Driver in the World” title whenever the Hendrick driver makes a mistake. It was deafening after Darlington.

“People act like I’m the one who said I am the greatest race car driver in the world. I never said that,” Larson said to Gluck. “I just said I’m a better all-around driver than Max Verstappen. And they took that as I said, ‘I’m the greatest in the world.’ Because, for some reason, Max is considered the greatest in the world. So it’s funny. I mean, I expect it when I have a crash or something. But it’s fine.”

Kyle Larson has a right to be considered one of the best drivers on the planet. He is doing things, multi-disciplinary things, that only a few others have ever done. Tony Stewart, Mario Andretti, AJ Foyt – the list is extremely short, folks.

Kyle Larson vs. Max Verstappen – why choose?

What Max Verstappen has done in the last five years is nothing short of astounding. This year, the Red Bull cars appear to be lagging behind the McLaren cars. Still, Verstappen is one of the most talented racers on the planet and has the trophies to back that up.

I do not think we will ever see these two race each other, at least not in their primes. So, this is a question we will likely never know the answer to. Then again, the Cadillac F1 team is being put together…why not take a chance and stick Larson in one of those cars? I’m not sure Rick Hendrick would be willing to give up his star driver, but it is an idea. Albeit a crazy one.

Without a direct comparison, I’m not sure this will ever be solved. The only way I can think of it being a truly equal battle would be in an IndyCar on an oval. Not necessarily the Indy 500. But another oval. Open-wheel car, Max feels comfortable. Oval track, Larson feels comfortable. Makes sense, yeah?

Kyle Larson vs. Max Verstappen – who is to say? When it comes to versatility, Larson has the crown. Verstappen has never won three Chili Bowl Nationals titles, so I’ve gotta give it to Larson.