Kyle Larson, did you see Max Verstappen shine in the Brazilian rain?
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- Ludo van Denderen
Over the past few days, I have often thought about Kyle Larson, the NASCAR driver who considers himself better than Max Verstappen. That Kyle Larson. How would he have looked at Max Verstappen's demonstration in the Brazilian rain last week?
Chances are he didn't see it because that's what Americans often do, have an opinion about something without having any knowledge about it. Let's suppose he did see how Verstappen stormed through the entire field in the most difficult conditions from 17th place on the grid, driving lines on the slippery asphalt that his competition did not even dare to dream of. Surely, with a car control that was second to none, even Larson would have been impressed. Right?
Kyle Larson, the man with the big mouth
Verstappen's performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix has gone down in history as one of the best ever performances in Formula 1. Without a doubt, Max Verstappen has definitely joined the iconic ranks along with Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher as some of the best drivers to ever walk this earth. A list that Kyle Larson also considers himself to be a part of.
Earlier this year, the American boasted that he considers himself a better all-round driver than Verstappen. Even then it was a nonsensical claim, especially for a driver who does not have to do more during races than hold his steering wheel a little to the left. Not only that, Larson has been suspended and sacked in the past for overt racism.
How is Larson doing in NASCAR?
While Verstappen is now fast on his way to his fourth world title in Formula 1, driving the most advanced cars in the most appealing motorsport championship around the globe, Larson has only one NASCAR title. This Sunday, the 2024 season in NASCAR comes to an end and Larson is not going to be a champion in it. Far from it, in fact. A fifth place is the maximum achievable for the man who considers himself better than Verstappen. I wonder how good the drivers who will finish ahead of him will be then....
Next year is a new chance, Kyle. Perhaps you could give Max a call prior to that. I'm sure he can explain how to win races and championships under the most difficult conditions. He knows exactly how to do that. He really does.
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