Friendships in racing can ignite in the most unexpected ways, and Connor Zilisch’s bond with Max Verstappen is a perfect example of how a casual dinner can turn into a lasting connection. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this friendship didn’t start on the racetrack or at a glamorous event—it began over a meal in Texas, thanks to a nudge from Shane van Gisbergen. And this is the part most people miss: their relationship was actually forged during the COVID-19 lockdown, when real-world racing was paused and iRacing became the global playground for drivers like Zilisch and Verstappen.
In the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsports, these moments of connection often happen when you least expect them. Picture this: Zilisch, standing beside his No. 87 car at a Red Bull event, jokingly invites Verstappen to take it for a spin. Verstappen’s playful response, “I mean, I would like to do it,” set the tone for what would become a genuine friendship. But how did a Charlotte-born NASCAR hopeful and a three-time F1 champion end up bonding? The answer lies in a laid-back dinner in Texas, where the two racers connected on a personal level, far from the spotlight.
During an episode of Kenny Conversations, Zilisch shared the backstory of this unlikely friendship. “I went to dinner with him [Max] about a year ago in Texas. I was there to film a video with Shane van Gisbergen and the other Red Bull F1 drivers. Shane, who’s good friends with Max thanks to their iRacing days during COVID, invited me to join them. It wasn’t some fancy event—just a casual dinner where we could all be ourselves.” This dinner revealed a side of Verstappen that fans rarely see: a racer who thrives on the thrill of competition, not the glitz of fame.
But here’s the controversial part: could this friendship signal a future crossover between F1 and NASCAR? Zilisch’s admiration for Verstappen is clear, and he’s not alone in thinking the Dutch champion would excel in stock cars. “He’s a guy who’d race anything if given the chance,” Zilisch said. “I definitely respect him and look up to him. Hopefully, one day he’ll get the opportunity to race here, whether it’s stock cars, sports cars, or something else.” Verstappen himself has hinted at this possibility, telling Autosport in 2021, “I would like to try NASCAR one day. It’s something different, and I think it would be a fun challenge.”
This raises a thought-provoking question: Could Verstappen’s potential NASCAR debut be the next chapter in this friendship? With van Gisbergen’s success on the Chicago street course in 2023 as a precedent, it’s not just a fantasy. As Zilisch continues his own pursuit of NASCAR stardom, his off-track connections with global stars like Verstappen only add to his edge, blending F1 precision with NASCAR grit.
Meanwhile, Zilisch’s dominance in the 2025 Xfinity Series is undeniable. At just 19, he’s already a favorite for the title, with 10 wins and a regular-season crown under his belt. His consistency, from poles at COTA to rain-soaked victories at Dover, has him leading the Round of 8 with ease. Rivals like Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer are struggling to keep up, but Zilisch’s momentum feels unstoppable. With Phoenix on the horizon, his path to the championship seems paved, a testament to the karting roots that first ignited his passion for speed.
So, what do you think? Could Verstappen’s NASCAR debut become a reality, or is it just wishful thinking? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation that’s sure to spark debate!
