INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Ask almost any hardcore motorsports fan who the best driver in the world is right now and the answer is probably going to be Formula 1’s three-time reigning champion.
But Alexander Rossi has raced against Max Verstappen, just as he has raced against NASCAR star Kyle Larson. And now that he is teammates with Larson for his Indianapolis 500 debut, Rossi firmly believes Larson can hold his own with anyone.
“Dude,” Rossi said, “I think he’s already towards the top, so I don’t know. Put him at the top? Like, he’s ‘The Man.’”
As good as Verstappen, who has won 48 of 72 races in F1 since 2021?
“I would say they’re on the same level,” Rossi replied, “which is like, yeah, that’s a pretty big deal.”
Larson qualified fifth on Sunday for his first Indianapolis 500, then flew to North Carolina, where he finished fourth at North Wilkesboro Speedway in NASCAR’s $1 million All-Star race that night. This Sunday, he will be the fifth driver in history to attempt “The Double” by running both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on the same day.
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
Shutterbug in northeast China records growing winter sport popularity
Cultural confidence glows via new Chinese
Pope trip to Luxembourg, Belgium confirmed for September, 2 weeks after challenging Asia visit
China's Chen/Jia into 4th women's doubles final at badminton worlds
New findings unveil stone processing practices of China's Liangzhu civilization
Photographer gives Greeks online tour of China
Justin Timberlake set to bring his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to Australia in 2025
30 days to go, anticipation for impending Hangzhou Asian Games runs high across Asia
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
China beats Philippines at Asian Women's Volleyball Championship