Max Verstappen responds to driver who was told he'll be 'crying in the corner' after claim
Max Verstappen had been told he'd struggle in NASCAR - the F1 ace was quick to hit back.
Max Verstappen has hit back at a NASCAR driver who said he’s a ‘better all-around driver’ than the Dutch Formula One star.
Kyle Larson issued the bold statement after the recent Knoxville Nationals, where the Californian-born driver cruised to victory.
On Verstappen, Larson commented: “I know in my mind I am better than him as an all-around driver.
“There’s probably no way I can go win a Formula One race at Monaco, but I think I’d have a better shot at him just because of the car element.
“That’s what gives me ease and confidence that, like, I know I’m better than him. Maybe not in an open-wheel IndyCar or Formula One car, but that’s one discipline. I think I would beat him in everything else.”
Needless to say, those from the F1 world had their eyebrows raised, with analyst Tom Coronel responding: “If you think you’re better than Max Verstappen, I’d actually really like to have a match between them, because you’re going to lose. Max in those GT cars also goes bellowing, in the sim, with everything.
“Kyle, sorry, but I think you are wrong in life. Then you haven’t understood what driving a car is at all. Two practice sessions for Max and then Kyle is going to cry in a corner somewhere.”
But now Verstappen has had his own say.
I asked Max Verstappen his opinion on the “Best driver in the world?” debate at the Barcelona GP.
— AshVandelay (@AshVandelay) August 19, 2024
“Honestly I think I should first say we should not have that debate. Cause everyone is good in their own right.” pic.twitter.com/exOn8DgjcE
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
On the burgeoning rivalry, the Red Bull star exclaimed: “I think I should say, we should not have that debate. Everyone is good in their own right.
“Maybe if I would practice, I don’t know. Because I think at the end of the day, a good racing driver picks up things quite quickly."
He continued: “It all depends on what you grew up with as well. For me, of course, probably go-karting and F1, these things are more natural to me than racing on dirt. I have no clue how to do that at the moment.
“But I’ve done a bit of rallying on open fields and stuff and I found that really fun. Am I going to be really good at it, I don’t know?
Don't miss...
Lewis Hamilton shows true colours as Mercedes star makes two confessions [READ]
Lewis Hamilton makes feelings clear on beating his Mercedes replacement [NEWS]
Leclerc explains how he'd react as Russell faces awkward Mercedes situation [LATEST]
“That’s why this debate of ‘this guy is better than the other’. You don’t know, everyone is good in their own right.”
Verstappen will return to the track for a home Grand Prix in the Netherlands this weekend.
The 26-year-old leads the way at the top of the Drivers’ Championship by 78 points to second-place Lando Norris.