Grapevine: Hamilton and Stewart to swap cars

Their McLaren and Stewart Haas teams confirmed to AUTOSPORT that an event was planned that would see Hamilton take the wheel of Stewart's Chevrolet Impala, while Stewart - who was an IndyCar racer for two years before switching to NASCAR in 1998 - will try an F1 car for the first time with McLaren.

Reports in America suggested that the tests would take place at Watkins Glen during the summer, though sources told AUTOSPORT that no firm date had been set yet.

"Putting Lewis Hamilton and Tony Stewart on the track together later this year - and having them switch cars for a first time - is something Mobil 1 has been considering as a great way to highlight Mobil 1's relationships in the world of motorsports," a McLaren spokersperson said.

"A lot of planning goes into an event of this nature and we are working closely with the Mobil 1 team. When we are able to confirm details, we will share additional information."

The Hamilton/Stewart car swap has echoes of the 2003 exchange between then-Williams F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya and four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon at Indianapolis. Gordon impressed the Williams team greatly with his pace on his first taste of an F1 car, while Montoya would make a full-time switch to NASCAR three years later.