Kyle Larson vs. Max Verstappen: The Debate Over Who Is the Ultimate All-Round Driver

In the high-octane world of motorsport, few statements can cause a stir quite like a driver comparing himself to a reigning global icon. When Kyle Larson boldly claimed last year that he is a “better all-round driver than Max Verstappen,” it didn’t just spark debate—it ignited a firestorm across the racing community. Now, ahead of his second attempt at the Indianapolis 500, Larson has doubled down on that assertion, standing firm despite waves of criticism.

At 32 years old, Larson is no stranger to pressure, nor is he lacking credentials. A former NASCAR Cup Series champion, a multiple-time Sprint Car winner, and a victor in a variety of racing disciplines, Larson has proven himself time and again on American soil. His claim to being a superior all-around driver than Verstappen is not made lightly, but it’s certainly not without controversy.

An Impressive American Résumé

Larson’s track record in NASCAR is exemplary. With 32 Cup Series victories and a championship title in 2021, he has built a legacy that few can rival in stock car racing. But what makes Larson unique among top-tier drivers is his versatility. Whether it’s dirt tracks, sprint cars, or endurance events, Larson consistently rises to the occasion. His adaptability across formats and his relentless drive make him one of the most respected names in American motorsport.

This versatility was on display during the 2023 Indianapolis 500, where Larson qualified fifth in his debut—a remarkable achievement for someone coming from a primarily NASCAR background. While a speeding penalty ultimately dashed his hopes of a podium finish, his performance left a strong impression. He demonstrated not only raw speed but also composure in an unfamiliar setting, confirming what many American fans already believed: Kyle Larson is one of the most well-rounded drivers in the world.

The “Double Duty” Dream

Larson’s ambition doesn’t stop with a single Indy 500 appearance. In 2025, he plans to once again attempt the elusive “Double Duty”—competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. This feat, a grueling test of endurance and focus, has only been completed by a few drivers in history, with Tony Stewart being the most notable to finish all 1100 miles in one day. Larson’s pursuit of this challenge exemplifies his tenacity and thirst for legacy-defining moments.

Despite lining up 21st on the grid for the 109th running of the Indy 500, Larson remains a threat. He’ll share the stage with elite drivers such as teammate Pato O’Ward, who starts on the front row, Christian Lundgaard in eighth, and Nolan Siegel in 26th. As always, Larson isn’t fazed by the competition—he relishes it.

The Verstappen Comparison: Why the Controversy?

Max Verstappen is widely considered the gold standard of modern motorsport. The Red Bull Racing superstar has dominated Formula 1 in recent years, claiming multiple world titles and breaking records at a relentless pace. His consistency, speed, and ability to perform under pressure have elevated him to legendary status.

So when Larson claimed he is a better all-around driver, it inevitably provoked strong reactions. Fans and pundits interpreted his words as a challenge to Verstappen’s global supremacy. But as Larson clarified recently, his remarks were misinterpreted.

“People act like I’m the one who said I am the greatest race car driver in the world,” Larson explained in an interview with The Athletic. “I never said that. I just said I’m a better all-around driver than Max Verstappen. And they took that as I said ‘I’m the greatest in the world.’ Because, for some reason, Max is considered the greatest in the world. So it’s funny. I mean, I expect it when I have a crash or something. But it’s fine.”

This clarification reveals a key nuance in the debate. Larson isn’t necessarily claiming he’s better than Verstappen at Formula 1, but rather that his ability to compete across a broader spectrum of motorsport disciplines gives him an edge in overall driving versatility. It’s a fair point—Verstappen, while dominant in F1, has not tested his skills in sprint cars, dirt tracks, or stock cars, areas where Larson thrives.

What Makes a Driver “All-Round”?

The argument ultimately boils down to how one defines an “all-around” driver. If the criteria involve competing in multiple disciplines and succeeding across them, then Larson certainly has a case. His wins in NASCAR, sprint cars, the Chili Bowl, and other formats underscore his adaptability and breadth of talent.

During a victory speech after winning his third Knoxville Nationals title in four years, Larson made his views even clearer: “I know in my mind I am better than [Verstappen] as an all-around driver. There’s no way he can get into a Sprint Car and win the Knoxville Nationals. There’s no way he can go win the Chili Bowl. There’s no way he can go win a Cup race at Bristol.”

Those are strong words, and while hypothetical, they highlight the contrast in their careers. Verstappen has remained largely within the Formula 1 bubble, where precision engineering, tire management, and telemetry-based racecraft reign supreme. Larson, on the other hand, regularly contends with diverse variables like track texture, car instability, and race formats that demand raw instinct.

The Verdict

While it’s unlikely the debate over Larson vs. Verstappen will be settled anytime soon, it’s one that adds flavor to the motorsport world. It also underscores the different paths to greatness in racing. Verstappen may well go down as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time. But if the definition of greatness includes versatility, then Larson’s claim deserves more than just a dismissive scoff.

As he prepares for another grueling Indy 500 attempt, Larson has made it clear: he’s not afraid of comparisons, criticism, or controversy. Whether he ends up in Victory Lane or not, his willingness to take on challenges beyond his comfort zone has already cemented his place as one of the most intriguing—and daring—drivers of his generation.