NASCAR Driver Not Apologizing For Max Verstappen Comment

Kyle Larson is preparing to showcase his versatility by competing in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. During the build-up, the driver was asked about comments made last year about Max Verstappen.

After winning a sprint car race in August, Larson said he considers himself a better "all-around driver" than Verstappen. The 2021 Cup Series champion explained why he thinks he could outshine the Formula One champion on tracks beyond Verstappen's area of expertise.

"I know I'm better than him," Larson said. "Maybe not in an open-wheel IndyCar or Formula One car, but that's one discipline. I think I would beat him in everything else. You can quote that."

In the months since, a Mandela Effect emerged of people misquoting Larson to claim he called himself the "best driver in the world." Critics often mockingly use the label following a wreck or unflattering finish.

The Athletic's Jeff Gluck asked Larson what he'd say to those observers who enjoy seeing him fail. Larson clarified his prior remarks.

"People act like I'm the one who said I am the greatest race car driver in the world. I never said that. I just said I'm a better all-around driver than Max Verstappen," Larson told Gluck. "And they took that as I said, 'I'm the greatest in the world.' Because for some reason, Max is considered the greatest in the world. So it's funny. I mean, I expect it when I have a crash or something. But it's fine."