NASCAR News: Insiders push France Family to offer Verstappen $100M to lure him away from F1
NASCAR insiders are openly urging the France family to write a massive check and bring Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen (pictured) stateside. With the three-time world champion growing increasingly vocal about his frustration with F1’s direction, prominent voices in the stock-car world believe a nine-figure offer could be the ticket to one of the biggest driver coups in motorsports history.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
During a recent episode of the popular Dirty Mo Media podcast, NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi didn’t mince words when host Jeff Gluck asked what it would take to pry Verstappen out of Red Bull and into a Cup Series car. “100 million,” Bianchi replied flatly. He quickly doubled down, pointing directly at NASCAR Chairman Jim France and the family’s deep pockets. “Listen, if we learned anything throughout the NASCOURT, we learned that Jim France has got some money. Like, the coffers at NASCAR are full. Like, tap into that, man, bring Max over here.”
The comments come at a moment when Verstappen has made it clear he is far from content with the sport he currently dominates. The Dutchman has been openly critical of the 2026 F1 regulations, describing the planned new-generation cars as “Formula E cars on steroids.” His dissatisfaction has gone beyond technical complaints. In recent media appearances, Verstappen has openly questioned whether continuing in F1 is even worth the grind.
“You also wait for 24 races. This (season) it’s 22. But normally 24,” Verstappen said. “And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
Formula 1 Rumor: Verstappen will quit Formula 1 after 2026
Those words have sent shockwaves through the paddock and sparked speculation that the 28-year-old might walk away from F1 earlier than expected. While Verstappen has not formally announced retirement plans, his comments have been interpreted by many as a clear signal that his passion for the current formula is waning.
That opening has not gone unnoticed in Daytona Beach. NASCAR insiders see an unprecedented opportunity to lure the most marketable driver on the planet into stock-car racing. Bianchi’s $100 million figure wasn’t thrown out casually; it reflects the kind of financial firepower the France family could realistically deploy if they chose to chase a generational talent. The family’s control of NASCAR, combined with the series’ strong financial position revealed during recent legal proceedings, has given insiders confidence that such a deal isn’t pure fantasy.
The idea of an F1 champion crossing over to NASCAR is not without precedent. Juan Pablo Montoya left McLaren in 2006 and enjoyed a successful Cup Series career with Chip Ganassi Racing, winning multiple races and even returning for a one-off with 23XI Racing in 2024. Nelson Piquet Jr. made the jump after his F1 days and found success in NASCAR’s Truck and Xfinity Series. More recently, Kimi Räikkönen ran a pair of Cup races for Trackhouse Racing in 2022 and 2023, proving that adapting to oval racing is possible, even if the learning curve is steep.
Still, bringing Verstappen would be on an entirely different scale. The three-time champion’s global following, combined with his no-nonsense driving style, would instantly elevate NASCAR’s international profile. Insiders argue that the France family’s willingness to invest heavily in the sport’s future makes this the perfect time to make a bold move.
Whether Jim France and the rest of the NASCAR leadership are seriously considering Bianchi’s suggestion remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the conversation has started, and it’s gaining traction fast. With Verstappen openly questioning his future in F1 and NASCAR insiders publicly floating nine-figure offers, the possibility of the Dutchman trading open-wheel glory for left-turn ovals has suddenly become one of the most intriguing storylines in racing.
For now, the ball is in the France family’s court. If they decide to act on the insiders’ advice, NASCAR could be on the verge of landing its biggest international superstar yet.