If You’re a Fan of these F1 Drivers, You’ll Love These NASCAR Drivers: Part 2

While F1 and NASCAR share many similarities, they are distinguished by their very different cars, tracks, point systems, skill sets, and more. The thing they have in common, though, is talented drivers behind the wheels of those machines, which are the lifeblood for fans. So let’s compare some.

If You Love Kimi Antonelli: You’d Be A Fan of Connor Zilisch

If you’re a fan of Kimi Antonelli because he’s a young prodigy who everybody knows will be a champion, and you want to see that rise happen in real time. Then, Connor Zilisch is your kind of driver as he’s NASCAR’s next up, something made evident by his fantastic 2025 Xfinity season and incredible debut.

In Zilisch’s first Xfinity race at the iconic Watkins Glen circuit in New York, at 18 years old, Zilisch shocked the racing world when he won in his very first start. And he followed that up with the great Xfinity Series season we’ve ever seen. With Zilisch following up on his incredible debut with a ten-win season, he had an average finish of eight point zero.

He didn’t win the championship, but that’s because of the stupid playoffs, so ignore them for your mental health. Next season, he’ll be full-time in the 88 in the Cup Series for Trackhouse. Starting what will surely be a historic career.

If You love Fernando Alonso: You’d Love Kyle Busch

Both are fiery, two-time championship-winning drivers whose greatness matches their controversy. They’re very outspoken, in some of the bluntest and funniest ways possible.Not to mention, they’re in the same position in their career.

Both are going to struggling teams with big-name players behind them and have had a great 2022 with their new teams, and they look like they could recapture their glory days. Only for the teams’ struggles after that to hold them back from winning races, much to their frustration.

If You Love Nico Hulkenburg: Then Michael McDowell Is Your Man

Now, career-wise and personality-wise, these two drivers have plenty in common. Both are wholesome personalities who don’t race anyone, except with the highest level of cleanliness an elite racer could have.

Both are drivers who have only driven underfunded equipment, getting opportunity after opportunity because of their incredible talent, work ethic, and likeable, easy-to-work-with personalities.

And both take an incredibly long time before having their moment in the sun. As Hulkenburg finally got his first career podium at Silverstone in 2025. And Michael McDowell got his first career win in 2021 at the Daytona 500!

If You Love Ollie Bearman: Check Out Zane Smith

These two young drivers are young talents on a midpack team trying to earn a top ride! They even started their top-series careers by replacing a driver on a competitive team before moving to an underfunded team, where they’ve been outdriving their equipment since they began racing in the top division. Both also get the most out of their equipment while not being too aggressive, and will say something when they don’t like something.

If You Love Alex Albon: The Man To Watch Is Erik Jones

Both drivers started on championship-winning teams known for signing and developing more aggressive drivers who didn’t entirely fit that mold, being assertive but not as aggressive as their teammates (Red Bull and Joe Gibbs). While both had moments that showcased their immense talent, they were still let go by the team that developed them.

But they bounced straight back on their feet, with a midpack team, Williams and Legacy, which used to be Petty and has been helping them rebuild and get better. Becoming the team’s leader. Both drivers are known for being super chill and kind off-track as well. Thanks a bunch for reading! If you read this far and didn’t read part 1, here you go!