Kyle Larson’s talent continues to turn heads across the racing world, and now former NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick has added fuel to the fire with one of the boldest comparisons yet.
During a recent episode of “The Happy Hour” podcast, Harvick and guest Will Buxton—the play-by-play voice for the NTT IndyCar Series on FOX—discussed Larson’s growing presence in IndyCar and his potential to win.
Kyle Larson’s Racing Versatility Sparks Praise From Kevin Harvick
The conversation, which began with a discussion on crossover talents in motorsports—particularly American drivers in open-wheel racing—prompted Harvick to heap praise on Larson for his ability to succeed in both NASCAR and potentially IndyCar.
Harvick even went as far as comparing Larson to Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, saying the Hendrick Motorsports star could match Verstappen’s performance given the right equipment and time.
Highlighting Larson’s rare adaptability across different types of race cars, Harvick said, “Kyle Larson, I mean, he’s a once-in-a-generation type driver. I mean, he could go to the Indy 500 and win this year. I truly believe that with his experience, he can go there and win. I think that he could go to an IndyCar or to an F1 car with the proper situation and time in the car and be competitive.”
“You put him in Max Verstappen’s car, and he’s going to do Max Verstappen things with the proper amount of time,” Harvick added.
Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile drivers in modern motorsports. He’s currently preparing to attempt the grueling “Double Duty” this May.
“The Double” refers to competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Only a handful of drivers have attempted it, and only Tony Stewart has successfully completed both races on the same day.
Buxton, known for his deep knowledge of global racing, echoed Harvick’s sentiments and agreed that Larson could hold his own in nearly any form of competition.
The conversation also touched on the challenges American drivers face in finding sustained success outside of NASCAR. Harvick pointed to limited opportunities, financial barriers, and a lack of early European-style training as key factors.
While legends like Mario Andretti and Phil Hill achieved glory abroad, modern drivers face steep odds without full commitment and strong team backing. For someone like Larson, though, those odds might not seem so steep.