NASCAR driver Noah Gragson and Formula 1 reserve driver Liam Lawson recently teamed up in a new Ford promotional video, giving fans a glimpse of two racing worlds colliding.
Motorsports fans love a good crossover, and Ford Performance delivered just that. The highlight? Lawson testing his skills in a NASCAR simulator, leaving Gragson both surprised and impressed.
NASCAR Meets F1 in Unique Ford Promo
Gragson, currently competing in the NASCAR Cup Series with Front Row Motorsports, joined Lawson, Red Bull Racing’s F1 driver, for a special Ford Performance feature. The video showcased Gragson giving Lawson a tour of Ford’s motorsports lineup, from its stock car to off-road machines like the Bronco and Raptor, as well as its rally racing entry.
But the real fun began when Gragson encouraged Lawson to hop into Ford’s Mustang Dark Horse NASCAR simulator. The challenge? Seeing how well an F1 driver could handle a stock car (virtually, at least).
Liam Lawson Handles NASCAR Sim Like a Natural, Impresses Noah Gragson
Despite coming from the world of high-downforce, ultra-light Formula 1 cars, Lawson wasted no time getting comfortable in the NASCAR sim. His smooth driving quickly caught Gragson’s attention, who couldn’t help but admit, “He’s pretty good. I think he’s going to be a NASCAR guy after today.”
.@NoahGragson + @LiamLawson30 + a Dark Horse Mustang sim session = must-watch content. 👀
Watch how Liam handled his first NASCAR Cup Series challenge this Friday on YouTube! pic.twitter.com/vmOw2oLNtt
— Ford Performance (@FordPerformance) March 19, 2025
The NASCAR driver joked that Lawson might have a future in stock car racing after his impressive virtual performance.
The exchange was all in good fun, but it also highlighted the versatility and adaptability of professional racers. Though NASCAR and F1 differ greatly in vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, and race craft, Lawson’s ability to transition smoothly — even in a simulator — showed just how skilled he is behind the wheel.
This crossover not only entertained fans but also strengthened the growing connection between NASCAR and F1. The Ford Performance promotional video introduced Lawson to the world of stock car racing while giving NASCAR fans a closer look at an up-and-coming F1 talent.
Gragson, who has put in solid performances in the NASCAR Cup Series this season, continues to develop as a driver. Meanwhile, Lawson had a disappointing showing in the F1 season opener at the Australian Grand Prix due to an early mechanical issue.
With more collaborations like this, motorsports fans could see further crossovers between racing disciplines, creating exciting possibilities in the future. And while Lawson remains focused on his F1 duties, Gragson’s playful comment about him becoming a NASCAR guy does make you wonder — could more Formula 1 drivers take a shot at stock cars down the road?