NASCAR Driver Secretly Swaps Career—Joins Formula 1 Mid-Season in Shocker Move

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, NASCAR Cup Series star Tyler Reddick has reportedly walked away from his full-time ride at 23XI Racing to sign a sudden mid-season deal with a Formula 1 team. The unprecedented switch, which came with no public warning, has stunned both NASCAR and F1 insiders, fans, and fellow drivers.

Sources close to the situation revealed late Tuesday night that Reddick quietly flew to Europe last weekend after missing an “optional” team event in North Carolina. Photos then surfaced on social media of the 28-year-old entering Haas F1’s Banbury facility in the UK. Within hours, reports began circulating that Reddick had signed on to replace a current Haas driver, believed to be Nico Hülkenberg, who allegedly requested medical leave due to ongoing physical strain from the grueling F1 calendar.

While no official statement has been issued by Haas, a team spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied the reports. However, insiders at 23XI Racing were reportedly blindsided.

“We were prepping for the Coca-Cola 600, and suddenly he went radio silent,” said one engineer, who requested anonymity. “Next thing we know, he’s halfway across the Atlantic and turning laps in an F1 simulator.”

Reddick, known for his high-intensity driving style, has long expressed admiration for road racing and open-wheel disciplines. Yet few expected such a dramatic leap, especially mid-season.

“I’ve always wanted to test myself on a global scale,” Reddick reportedly told a close friend, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime shot. I couldn’t pass it up.”

His move reignites the debate around driver mobility across series, a conversation that gained traction when Kimi Räikkönen and Jenson Button flirted with NASCAR appearances in recent years. Still, an active NASCAR Cup driver jumping to F1—in the middle of the season—is nearly unprecedented.

Back at 23XI Racing, co-owner Denny Hamlin seemed rattled by the turn of events. Speaking briefly to reporters outside the team’s Mooresville facility Wednesday morning, Hamlin said, “We support ambition, but we were completely unaware. There’s a level of respect and communication we expected, and this blindsided a lot of good people here.”

Contractually, it remains unclear how Reddick was able to make the leap. NASCAR insiders suggest the team is currently reviewing clauses in his agreement that may have allowed for outside opportunities, but not without official approval. Legal teams on both sides are reportedly negotiating a mutual release, though details remain closely guarded.

Reactions within the motorsports community have ranged from stunned disbelief to cautious optimism. Former F1 world champion Jenson Button, who has also competed in NASCAR, said, “If there’s anyone from NASCAR with the technical touch and curiosity to make this work, it’s Tyler. It won’t be easy, but he’s no stranger to tough transitions.”

Fans have been vocal on social media. “This is like Michael Jordan quitting basketball mid-season to try tennis,” one user tweeted. Another added, “Reddick going F1? That’s the craziest move I’ve seen in racing in a decade.”

The news couldn’t come at a more challenging time for NASCAR, which has been grappling with internal debates about its Next Gen car, declining ratings for certain races, and the growing appeal of global motorsport competitions.

Meanwhile, Reddick’s move appears to be about more than just personal ambition. According to one industry insider, Haas has been seeking ways to revamp its image and bring new energy into the team. Reddick’s American fanbase, coupled with his growing appeal outside the U.S., made him an ideal fit.

“They’re not just looking at lap times,” the source said. “They want buzz, relevance, and someone who can connect with fans across continents. Tyler fits that bill.”

Despite no official word from Reddick himself, it’s expected he will participate in a joint media appearance with Haas in Barcelona ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. There, he may get his first seat time in the VF-24 before taking part in practice laps.

Reddick’s departure leaves a massive hole at 23XI Racing. Rumors are already swirling about a potential replacement, with Chandler Smith and even retired driver Kurt Busch being mentioned. For now, the team has named a temporary stand-in for this weekend’s race.

The dramatic twist also places pressure on both NASCAR and Formula 1 to consider the broader implications of such a move. Does this open the door for other high-profile drivers to explore international series? Will NASCAR look to tighten its driver contracts in response?

“This is one of those moments where the entire motorsports world stops and says, ‘Wait, what just happened?'” said veteran motorsports journalist Marty Smith. “Whether it works out or not, Tyler Reddick has changed the conversation.”

As both NASCAR and Formula 1 prepare for pivotal races this weekend, all eyes will be on the young driver from Corning, California, who dared to leave everything he knew behind in pursuit of something bigger.

Whatever happens next, one thing is certain: Tyler Reddick’s name is now etched into racing history for taking one of the boldest leaps motorsport has seen in recent memory.