Team owner Justin Marks has confirmed that four‑time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen is seriously weighing a future in NASCAR, even as the series grapples with complex commercial constraints.
Verstappen, currently sixth in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, has a history of testing boundaries beyond grand prix racing, having competed at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and spoken openly about exploring other motorsport formats.
Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 program, designed to open the NASCAR Cup Series to international talent, has already attracted former F1 drivers such as Kimi Räikkönen and Hélio Castroneves, and it provides a structured pathway for drivers like Verstappen to make the transition.
The main obstacle lies in the existing Chevrolet‑centric partnership of Trackhouse, which would require Verstappen’s Red Bull‑powered car to be re‑engineered with a Chevrolet power unit, a move that could clash with his current Ford obligations through Red Bull Powertrains.
In recent weeks, Kevin Magnussen has drawn attention for his performances in NASCAR, notably engaging in a hard‑fought battle with Noah Gragson at the San Diego street circuit, underscoring the competitive depth the series could gain with new entrants.
Verstappen’s immediate F1 future remains uncertain; his Red Bull contract contains an exit clause and his sixth‑place standing reflects a season in flux, prompting rumors of possible moves to Mercedes or McLaren, or even a sabbatical in 2027.
If the crossover materializes, it would represent a significant shift in the sporting landscape, blending the global appeal of F1 with NASCAR’s American roots, and could signal a broader strategy by Project 91 to diversify the series’ brand portfolio.