NASCAR Rising Star Connor Zilisch Eyes Global Racing, Formula 1 Prospects

Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old rising star in NASCAR, has distinguished himself as one of the most versatile talents, winning at every level he has competed in and currently racing full-time in the Xfinity Series while participating part-time in the Cup Series. Despite his success and prospects to move full-time to the Cup Series in 2026, Zilisch remains focused on a broader motorsport career that includes aspirations to compete in Formula 1, especially with the arrival of the American team Cadillac to F1 in 2026. Zilisch has emphasized that while winning is important, he is not aiming to emulate Kyle Busch’s career path or solely focus on NASCAR records, instead seeking varied and international racing experiences. He acknowledges that a potential F1 move would require multi-year commitment and acquiring the necessary Super Licence points, but he prioritizes establishing himself in NASCAR first. His early karting experience in Europe and connections with Red Bull through Cadillac’s F1 entry keep the dream of F1 alive in his mind. This perspective highlights a new generation of drivers aiming for versatility and diverse racing experiences beyond traditional NASCAR trajectories.