Max Verstappen eyeing a move to GT racing? Valentino Rossi reveals the Dutchman’s growing interest
Could Max Verstappen be preparing for life after Formula 1 by switching to the world of GT and endurance racing? According to Valentino Rossi, the three-time Formula 1 World Champion is already showing more than just a passing interest.
During the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup weekend at Misano, motorsport legend Valentino Rossi shared an intriguing insight that has sparked curiosity across the paddock. While discussing the event and his BMW M4 GT3 car bearing the iconic #46, the nine-time MotoGP World Champion let slip a detail that hinted at the potential future plans of Red Bull Racing’s superstar driver.
“He always calls me”
Speaking from the paddock at Misano, where the GT World Challenge Europe held a round of its Sprint Cup, Valentino Rossi was once again in the spotlight—not only for the strong pace he showed during free practice sessions but also for a comment that sent motorsport fans into a frenzy. The Italian icon openly expressed his desire to share the track with some of the biggest names in modern motorsport, specifically mentioning Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli, and Max Verstappen.
“I would absolutely love to race against Lewis, Kimi, and Max… or maybe even alongside them rather than against them,” Valentino Rossi said, flashing his trademark smile.
For now, such a scenario seems more like a dream than a concrete plan—especially in the case of Lewis Hamilton, who remains fully committed to Formula 1, and Kimi Antonelli, the young Italian prodigy who carries the future hopes of Mercedes on his shoulders.
But when it comes to Max Verstappen, the conversation quickly shifts from fantasy to something more tangible. Valentino Rossi revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes detail: “Verstappen always calls me after races. He asks how it went, how I’m feeling. He follows everything closely. He’s someone who truly loves racing—and it shows.”
This casual remark revealed just how invested the four-time Formula 1 World Champion is in the GT and endurance racing scene—far more than many observers might assume. Verstappen has long been known for his passion for sim racing and has often expressed his admiration for endurance formats, even going so far as to mention his ambition to compete one day in the 24 Hours of Le Mans or other prestigious motorsport events beyond Formula 1.
A future in GT racing for Verstappen?
The idea that Max Verstappen could eventually race in the GT World Challenge Europe—perhaps even sharing a car with Valentino Rossi as teammates—is no longer just a far-fetched fan theory. Rossi is not known for making throwaway comments, and the fact that he and Verstappen speak regularly after race weekends hints at a real mutual respect and a shared passion for racing beyond F1.
This kind of post-race communication suggests that Verstappen may already be building closer ties to the GT world, and Rossi’s comments could well be the first public sign of something more concrete developing behind the scenes.
In a sport where plans can evolve quickly and quietly, Rossi’s remarks could mark the beginning of a potential project—or at the very least, the planting of a serious idea. For now, though, the Italian icon remains focused on his current chapter in motorsport. Between thrilling on-track sessions and the warm support of his home fans, Valentino Rossi continues to enjoy what he describes as his “second youth” behind the wheel of a GT car.
As for Verstappen, time will tell whether this interest turns into a full-fledged commitment. But one thing is certain: if the Dutch superstar ever decides to trade open-wheel racing for endurance battles, he will already have a respected friend—and perhaps a future teammate—waiting in the GT paddock.
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