NASCAR star Kyle Larson competes at Indianapolis 500 and fuels speculation about joining Cadillac F1 team in 2026

This weekend, the Indianapolis 500 is buzzing with excitement as a well-known NASCAR driver takes on just his second open-wheel race.

But this isn’t just any race entry — this NASCAR star is also being linked to a potential future in Formula 1.

While several drivers have been tossed around as possible candidates for the American-backed Cadillac F1 team, this new prospect might shake up the usual expectations.

Cadillac’s Big Plans for an American F1 Presence

Cadillac, backed by General Motors, is gearing up to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026 despite ongoing tariff challenges.

The team has shown a strong desire to build around an American driver to really connect with the home market.

Dan Towriss, a key figure at Cadillac, has openly talked about their hopes to find the right American talent and create a seat that commands respect.

But there’s a catch — the team wants to make sure the chosen driver is set up for success.

That means their initial lineup might not include the obvious choice for an American star just yet.

The Surprise NASCAR Name in the Mix

While many expected IndyCar standout Colton Herta to lead the American driver charge at Cadillac, things might be shifting.

Rumors are swirling around a different star: NASCAR’s Kyle Larson.

Known for his raw talent and often compared to Max Verstappen in terms of driving prowess, Larson could bring a fresh dynamic to the F1 scene — especially from a marketing standpoint.

General Motors president Mark Reuss didn’t dive into details but did say, “Let’s focus on Indianapolis first,” when asked about Larson’s future.

It’s clear that Larson’s participation in the Indy 500 this weekend is a crucial step.

IndyCar and NASCAR Stars Eyeing F1 Opportunities

It’s not just Larson drawing attention. Mexican IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward is also frequently linked with a move to Formula 1.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who manages O’Ward in IndyCar, didn’t rule out the possibility, saying he wouldn’t stop the driver if he wanted to make the jump.

These potential crossovers show how fluid motorsport careers can be and how the American market could see new crossover stars emerging in F1.

What’s Next for Cadillac and American Racing Fans?

With Cadillac promising to hit the F1 grid in 2026 and a variety of American talents in the conversation, fans have plenty to look forward to.

Will Kyle Larson become the first NASCAR driver to take on Formula 1 full-time? Or will Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward steal the spotlight?

One thing is clear: Cadillac’s plans to boost American representation in F1 are gaining serious momentum.

And this weekend at Indy, Larson’s performance could be a key moment in this evolving story.