One of Kyle Larson’s IndyCar rivals believes that he is just as good as Max Verstappen.
Former F1 driver turned IndyCar star Alexander Rossi believes Kyle Larson could compete with Max Verstappen in equal machinery.
In 2015, during a brief overlap in their careers, the American driver had a racing encounter with Max Verstappen in F1. Having witnessed Verstappen’s skills firsthand, Rossi is confident that NASCAR star Kyle Larson has what it takes to match the Dutch driver.
Alexander Rossi: Kyle Larson is ‘The Man’
Larson is all set to participate in his first-ever Indy 500 this weekend. He will be racing for Arrow McLaren after securing the fifth spot during last Sunday’s qualifying session at the Brickyard.
After the event, Larson proceeded to travel to North Carolina in order to participate in NASCAR’s All-Star race held that evening. He achieved a commendable fourth-place finish at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
On this upcoming Sunday, he has planned to participate in not just one but two races. He will be challenging both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 by making his way to Charlotte.
Rossi, Larson’s teammate in the Indy 500, firmly believes that if given the chance, the 31-year-old could definitely rival Max Verstappen.
“Dude,” Rossi told the Associated Press, “I think he’s [Larson] already towards the top, so I don’t know. Put him at the top? Like, he’s ‘The Man.’”
When asked if he is as skilled as Verstappen, who is considered the benchmark for all racing drivers worldwide in 2024, Rossi confidently affirms his abilities.
According to Rossi, I would say they are at an equal level.
“That’s definitely a significant matter, you know.”
More on the latest American F1 news:
Meet Kyle Larson: The non-F1 driver you must watch as he attempts insane historic double
Pat Symonds’ defection to Andretti is a clear message sent straight to F1
Rossi expressed his annoyance at the possibility of Larson, who is considered a top contender to win both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, achieving victory in his first race. Rossi, who himself accomplished this feat in 2016, would be quite displeased.
“Man, I can’t believe it. A Larson victory would really get on my nerves,” Rossi expressed his frustration.
I’ll empathize with how others felt when I emerged victorious. Is he capable of achieving the same? Yes. Would I be pleased for the team? Yes. Would I also feel a tinge of internal annoyance? Yes.
We acknowledge his talent, but his swift triumph in his debut event doesn’t exactly cast a favorable light on us, considering he is an outsider in our domain.
However, although Rossi believes Larson has the potential to compete with Verstappen using the same equipment, Larson himself expressed skepticism regarding his ability to keep pace with the Dutch driver in both F1 and IndyCar vehicles.
Larson stated, “Definitely not in an F1 car!”
I am unable to surpass him in an F1 car. Additionally, I am confident that he would outperform me in an Indy car, considering his extensive experience on street and road courses.
However, Larson believes that he could challenge Verstappen in sprint racing vehicles.
Larson expressed his desire to surpass him in a sprint car race.
“I fail to comprehend how this can even exist. Without engaging in various disciplines, how can anyone assert that you are the finest?”
Read Next: Mercedes explain the main factor behind George Russell team orders at Imola
