Kyle Larson’s versatility behind the wheel has long fascinated racing fans. Now, it’s caught the eye of Hollywood star and seasoned driver Patrick Dempsey. During a recent podcast appearance, the “Grey’s Anatomy” actor floated a tantalizing idea for Larson to try a Formula 1 car.
The suggestion comes as Larson prepares for a grueling NASCAR tripleheader, reigniting debates about crossover potential in motorsports’ elite tiers.
Patrick Dempsey’s Bold Vision for Kyle Larson in Formula 1
Dempsey, a 2015 Le Mans podium finisher (22nd overall, second in class) and founder of Dempsey Racing, didn’t hold back on “Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour” podcast.
“Kyle Larson to me is really a fascinating guy because of his ability to adapt from the downforce cars and then getting back into a NASCAR car,” Dempsey said. “That’s a big change. It’d be nice to see him get into a Formula 1 car and do some testing.”
🏎️🏁 @PatrickDempsey would like to see @KyleLarsonRacin test an F1 car. He talks with @KevinHarvick about his favorite NASCAR drivers.
Don't miss Destined to Drive: Patrick Dempsey's Return to Racing. Sunday at 7p ET on FS1! pic.twitter.com/BppiNmQIvP
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) March 14, 2025
The actor-turned-driver praised Larson’s seamless transition between disciplines, referencing his dirt track dominance and NASCAR success. The 2021 Cup Series champion, Larson, has yet to win in 2025 but sits 11th in points with two top-five finishes for Hendrick Motorsports. Dempsey’s remarks spotlight a broader question of whether Larson’s raw talent can translate to F1’s precision-driven world.
“The dynamic is different,” Dempsey added, hinting at F1 cars’ aerodynamic challenges. Larson’s adaptability, evident in his Indy 500 attempts and sprint car wins, makes him a unique candidate. But the NASCAR star’s immediate focus remains stateside.
Larson’s High-Stakes NASCAR Tripleheader Ambitions
Larson is chasing history closer to home. On April 11-13, he’ll attempt to sweep all three NASCAR national series races at Bristol Motor Speedway, a feat only Kyle Busch has achieved. Larson will pilot the No. 07 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the Truck Series and Hendrick’s No. 17 in Xfinity before his Cup Series duties.
“I love racing at Bristol, so I am excited to add those races to my schedule,” Larson said. “Hopefully we can put on a great show and battle for the victories.”
The soon-to-be-tripleheader highlights his relentless schedule, balancing NASCAR commitments with open-wheel curiosity.
Dempsey’s racing documentary, “Destined to Drive,” parallels Larson’s ethos of embracing risk and learning from mistakes. Though Larson hasn’t addressed the F1 speculation directly, his willingness to tackle diverse challenges speaks volumes. For now, the Bristol gauntlet takes precedence. But as Dempsey noted, Larson’s career is a masterclass in defying limits. Whether F1 ever calls remains an open lap.