Max Verstappen isn’t completely on-board with Formula 1 racing in Oval circuit much like the American motorsport NASCAR.
Talladega Superspeedway in NASCAR (via NASCAR), Max Verstappen (in circle, via Red Bull)
Formula 1 and NASCAR form the two massively popular Motorsport racing categories all over the globe. Both have continued to gain a lot of audiences in recent seasons. The audiences for both sports could converge if Formula 1 starts to race on oval circuits much like NASCAR. However, reigning world champion Max Verstappen is strictly against this mixup.
Max Verstappen was recently caught in the debate of him being better than NASCAR’s champion Kyle Larson. However, the reigning world champion didn’t want to partake in the conversation and highlighted that both drivers were good in their respects. Hence, the prolific 27-year-old was also questioned about his opinions on Formula 1 racing on Oval tracks.
Verstappen had a short and blatant answer to this question. The Dutchman highlighted that he didn’t want the Ovals on an F1 calendar. Moreover, the three-time world champion pointed out that he liked to race on the tracks on simulators and online races. However, Verstappen’s enjoyment was restricted to watching the races and not actually driving around the Oval circuits.
On an F1 calendar? No, No, not for me. I like to do it for fun, online, but not in real life. IndyCar, NASCAR, but I like to watch it, not to drive it myself.
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Formula 1 raced around the Mugello circuit once in the 2020 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic disrupting the season. The 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix was the only time F1 visited Mugello as the circuit is primarily used for Motorcycle races. However, Max Verstappen liked the ‘flowing fast-corner’ layout of the circuit. Hence, the 27-year-old reckoned that he would like to see the circuit returning back to the sport.
Mugello. Fast corners. Just flowing tracks. So not too many like lower speed, stop-start, just flowing, fast corners.
Max Verstappen addedMax Verstappen (via Red Bull)
NASCAR has massive popularity in America due to the sport being truly American. Hence, amidst Formula 1’s ambitions to increase American involvement, the sport could expand its horizons. However, keeping in mind the current circuits, a pure oval circuit is highly unlikely to enter the calendars of Formula 1. Regardless, the pinnacle of motorsport has continued to peak in viewership and engagement recently amidst Liberty Media’s persistent efforts to propel the popularity.