Kyle Larson Issues Bold F1 Challenge Ahead of Indy 500 Double Duty

Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup champion, is taking on one of racing’s toughest tests by attempting the ‘Double Duty’ again this year—competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. The two events add up to a demanding 1,100 miles of racing in a single day, first at the Brickyard in a McLaren-backed IndyCar entry, then flying quickly to Charlotte for 600 more miles in a stock car.

Last year, weather delays at Indianapolis forced him to miss the start of the Coca-Cola 600, ending his shot at completing both races in one day. This year, Larson is scheduled to start 19th in the Indy 500, aiming to improve on his 18th-place finish from the previous attempt, which was hampered by a pit-lane speeding penalty.

Larson’s IndyCar practice sessions have been closely followed by fans eager to see his performance.

While known for his achievements in NASCAR and big oval events, Larson has drawn attention for his comments about Formula 1. On The Pat McAfee Show, he said he’s never been invited to drive a Formula 1 car but would “never turn down the opportunity” to try one. For more details on the super-licence requirements Larson would need to meet, the FIA’s official regulations provide comprehensive guidelines.

Larson visited the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021 and described it as “incredible,” noting how the atmosphere, combined with celebrities, advanced engineering, and huge investments in the sport, made a big impression. He admitted the racing itself is different from what American fans are used to but found the overall spectacle and off-track activity to be impressive.

Talks between Larson and Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren, have occurred but have not resulted in any formal offer to test or participate in a practice session in Formula 1.

For Larson to compete in an F1 race, he would need to meet strict super-licence requirements, either by winning the IndyCar championship or collecting enough points from internationally recognized road courses. The IndyCar Series official site offers insights into the championship structure that could help Larson qualify.

NASCAR points only count if earned on FIA-homologated tracks, and currently, the Charlotte Roval used in NASCAR does not meet those standards. For a deeper understanding of FIA track homologation, the FIA’s circuit database provides detailed criteria.

Larson’s quest to complete both the Indy 500 and Coke 600 on one day recalls Tony Stewart’s run in 2001, still the best-ever Double Duty result—Stewart finished sixth at Indianapolis and third at Charlotte, an example Larson would like to match or exceed. This ambition places Larson in an elite group of drivers who have attempted such a demanding feat.

If weather intervenes again this year, Larson faces a tough choice between chasing the IndyCar dream and keeping his primary NASCAR playoff hopes alive. Hendrick Motorsports expects Larson to be at Charlotte in time for driver introductions, but weather or delays in Indianapolis could still complicate his plan.

Alongside Larson’s headlines, recent motorsport news includes Max Verstappen encountering car troubles during Monaco Grand Prix practice and Lewis Hamilton receiving a penalty after a stewards’ review. The FIA responded to multiple on-track incidents in other disciplines, while teams like Mercedes are preparing new strategies after a tough qualifying session at Monaco.

As the racing season continues, Oscar Piastri sits atop the F1 drivers’ standings with 146 points for McLaren, followed by Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. McLaren leads the constructors’ battle with 279 points ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull.

The F1 calendar continues with the Monaco Grand Prix, Spanish Grand Prix, and Canadian Grand Prix scheduled in the weeks to come. Larson remains one of motorsport’s most versatile drivers, ready to face over a thousand miles of racing in a single day and open to new experiences.

Whether his future includes a shot at Formula 1 or more intense American racing doubleheaders, his willingness to try new challenges continues to make headlines in the racing world.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.