Mark Martin Makes “Similar to Max Verstappen” Prediction over Kyle Busch’s Son

NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin has shared his thoughts on how Kyle Busch is slowly molding a Max Verstappen-like race with Brexton Busch.

Mark Martin Makes “Similar to Max Verstappen” Prediction over Kyle Busch’s Son

Max Verstappen, Kyle Busch, Brexton Busch and Mark Martin (Via Imago and NBC Sports)

Two times Cup Series champion Kyle Busch shared a video on social media recently, where he was seen criticizing son Brexton’s performance in a race. Some saw this moment of tough love as a bit too much, Hall of Famer Mark Martin has an entirely different opinion on it.

Amidst the criticism from the fans, broadcaster Mamba Smith came to Kyle Busch’s defense, highlighting how tough it be to show tough love when the moment demands it. He applauded the RCR veteran for teaching his son accountability & discipline, and this caught the attention of Mark Martin.

The only thing harder than receiving tough love, is being the person giving it. But accountability & discipline is the only way any human can reach their goals.

Mamba Smith wrote on X.

The racing legend, in response to Smith’s comments, pointed out that Kyle Busch deserves credit for the tough love he showed and also applauded Brexton for being a good listener. He believes the mentorship can help young Busch to become like four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen. The tough love showed by the Red Bull racers father, Jos Verstappen, played a significant role in the Dutchman being one of the all-time grates in open wheel racing history.

Props to @KyleBusch for being tough enough to give this lesson. And props to @brextonbusch on being tough enough to accept the lesson. My prediction is with his mental toughness and a mentor like Kyle will could see a result similar to Max Verstappen.

Mark Martin wrote on X.

Kyle Busch also talked about the video in an interview recently and pointed out that he always tries to be nice with his on while highlighting the mistakes he makes in races. He asserted that they have always had such meetings and he is trying to keep his son accountable about the issues he had at the track.

Well, I mean, we do that all the time. I think that was probably one of the first times we’ve ever really broadcasted it. I tried to be nice, but I tried to be—not forceful. The word would be just to the point, right? Like trying to get it out there. You know, he wants to sometimes complain too much about the car’s not there or this or that or whatever. And I’m like, ‘Look, this one’s on you. This one’s your fault.’

Kyle Busch said about the video via Jonathan Ramos on X.

Mark Martin blasts criticism of the NASCAR Clash

In a sperate social media post, Mark Martin addressed the criticism over the 2026 NASCAR season opener, the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. The race was chaotic with drivers being over aggressive and the wet surface due to the snowstorm.

Mark Martin
Mark Martin (Via @markmartin/X)

But the race also featured some solid moments, including the emotional maiden race win from RFK Racing’s Ryan Preece. Martin asserted that the fans should be grateful for the good race and not always complain about things.

I saw so much negative and mean comments last night and today. I think we all need to be grateful for the good things and maybe try being kind. Or maybe not comment.

Mark Martin wrote on X.

The comments from the Hall of Famer seems rational and on point. Sometimes NASCAR fans need to complain less, as it often stops them from understanding and appreciating the positive changes coming to the sport.

Also Read: “I Tried to Be Nice!” Kyle Busch Breaks Silence on Viral Tough Love Video Featuring Son Brexton Busch