Dale Earnhardt Jr. says modern NASCAR cars suit F1 drivers, names Verstappen and Ricciardo

NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes today's more technically advanced stock cars could provide a better platform for Formula 1 stars to find success if they made the switch, specifically naming reigning world champion Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo as drivers he'd love to see try it.

Why it matters:

The crossover between F1 and NASCAR has a rich history, but Earnhardt's comments highlight how significant technical evolution in stock car racing could lower the barrier for elite open-wheel drivers. His perspective carries weight as both a Hall of Famer and a noted F1 fan, suggesting a potential new era for driver exchanges between the top series.

The details:

• In an interview, Earnhardt pinpointed Max Verstappen as his top pick, praising the Dutchman's "incredible" talent, curiosity, and work ethic as traits that would translate well to NASCAR.
• He also expressed hope that Daniel Ricciardo, who paid tribute to Earnhardt's father by using the No. 3 in F1, might consider a move to NASCAR following his F1 career.
• Earnhardt argued that modern NASCAR vehicles, with features like independent rear suspension and transaxle diffusers, are less alien to F1 drivers than the "stock cars from 10, 20 years ago," improving their chances of success.
• The Hall of Famer revealed a long-time fascination with Michael Schumacher, whom he considered "the greatest race car driver" he ever knew, and always wondered what the seven-time champion would have thought of a stock car.

The big picture:

Earnhardt's fandom bridges both worlds. He grew up watching the epic Schumacher vs. Häkkinen battles in the late 90s and remains an engaged viewer. His curiosity centers on hearing the perspectives of drivers from different disciplines, driven by admiration for their skill sets. This history of crossover includes F1 champions like Jenson Button, Kimi Räikkönen, and Jacques Villeneuve making NASCAR starts, with legends like Mario Andretti and Dan Gurney finding success in both arenas decades earlier.

What's next:

While Verstappen has previously dismissed NASCAR and IndyCar opportunities, the landscape can change as drivers' careers evolve. Ricciardo's future after his current F1 chapter remains open. Earnhardt's comments keep the conversation alive and underscore that the door for a major, modern F1 star to attempt NASCAR is perceived as more open than ever due to technical convergence, even if such a move remains a long shot.