Stewart-Haas Racing finds itself in a tough position as Kevin Harvick is set to retire at the conclusion of the 2023 NASCAR season. Now, the organization will need to replace Harvick as he represents Stewart-Haas Racing’s most consistent driver.
Who has been rumored to this point and what did a certain Formula 1 champion have to say about the possibility?
Formula 1 champion discusses possibility of replacing Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing
There have been several names linked to Stewart-Haas Racing with the two most obvious drivers being Cole Custer and Riley Herbst. Both of them are a part of the organization’s NASCAR Xfinity Series team and could be an easy fill-in for Harvick.
If not either of them, John Hunter Nemechek would be a good option as he continues to reinvent himself after moving away from the NASCAR Cup Series. Nemechek would be one of the better options for the team.
Meanwhile, Zane Smith is Ford’s top prospect and if the manufacturer wants him in a top seat, Stewart-Haas Racing’s No.4 car would be one of the best options. Smith will find a Cup Series seat soon so it would make sense.
Finally, what about Josh Berry? The replacement driver for Chase Elliott is on the older side for a Cup Series rookie but should be getting a ride soon like Smith. Berry would be a solid option for the organization.
However, there is one name that has talked about replacing Harvick that would shock the NASCAR world. Jenson Button, a Formula 1 champion, talked to Bob Pockrass about the possibility but was not super informative in his response.
“You know, I’m under no illusion. Racing on an oval is very differnt than on a road course. I don’t know. I’ve never driven on an oval so I wouldn’t know, but it looks very difficult. It’s just the skillset I didn’t learn at the age of six where most of them have. I would really like to try an oval, tesing first. Who knows what the future holds.”
Jenson Button on the possibiliyt of replacing Kevin Harvick after the 2023 season
Button did not say no to that answer which was pretty shocking. It is understandable as he has never raced on an oval track but Juan Pablo Montoya, a former Formula 1 driver, did make the switch to NASCAR with not much oval experience.
Plus, the report that came out following the Formula 1 race in Australia could make it even more likely. Button is “seriously” looking at trying to become a full-time NASCAR driver after his experience at Circuit of the Americas.
If this were to happen, could the No. 4 car for Stewart-Haas Racing become a possibility? With the lack of star options on the market, it is not a possibility that we should laugh at and consider it to be impossible.
It might be unlikely but don’t rule it out. We have seen crazier things happen during NASCAR silly season and if Button wants to make that commitment, it could be worth a shot for Stewart-Haas Racing.