Report: Jeff Gordon’s Missed F1 Opportunity and Kyle Larson’s Future Aspirations
In a recent episode of Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, journalist Will Buxton discussed the intriguing possibility of NASCAR icon Jeff Gordon moving to Formula 1 in the late 1990s. Buxton revealed that Gordon was in line to join Team Cool Green in IndyCar, with ambitions to transition to Formula 1, where he would pair with fellow American Dario Franchitti at British American Racing (BAR).
"Jeff was going to do a couple of seasons in IndyCar to prepare himself," Buxton explained. He emphasized that the pairing of Gordon and Franchitti in F1 could have significantly boosted the sport’s profile in the U.S., potentially decades earlier than the recent success achieved through initiatives like Drive to Survive.
Gordon, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion at the time, never competed in F1, although he participated in a notable ride swap with Juan Pablo Montoya in 2003, driving a Williams FW25 at the Indianapolis Road Course. His performance impressed F1 engineers but did not lead to a race contract.
Spotlight on Kyle Larson
The podcast also shifted focus to current NASCAR standout Kyle Larson, who has expressed confidence in his versatility as a driver, suggesting he competes across various disciplines more effectively than four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen. Larson had a promising outing in the 2024 Indianapolis 500, which was marred by a late-race speeding penalty.
Buxton acknowledged Larson’s potential in F1, advocating for greater opportunities for top NASCAR talents to transition to Formula 1. "I’d love to see someone like Kyle Larson not just attend the Indy 500, but go and attempt the Monaco Grand Prix," he stated. However, he criticized the restrictive licensing system that hindered American drivers’ pathways to F1, citing Colton Herta’s inability to secure a super license despite strong credentials in IndyCar.
As the motorsports landscape continues to evolve, the discussion around cross-discipline competition remains vital, highlighting the barriers and potentials for drivers seeking to expand their careers beyond traditional boundaries.
