Seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi has indicated that a hypothetical championship contest against Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen would likely involve intense competition. Rossi’s comments emerged during an interview at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed.
When Sky Sports F1’s Craig Slater suggested that a title fight between the two would see them ‘come to blows’ given their respective racing styles, Rossi affirmed the sentiment. He stated that such an approach would be a normal way for him to compete.
Currently, Rossi is actively engaged in four-wheel motorsport. He confirmed his return to the GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE) for the 2026 season with Team WRT and BMW. This commitment includes participation in both the Sprint Cup and Endurance Cup rounds.
Rossi, a BMW M Motorsport works driver, renewed his contract for an additional three years. His 2026 GTWCE campaign sees him partner with Max Hesse for all races, with Dan Harper joining for the longer Endurance Cup events. The season commenced in April at Circuit Paul Ricard.
Max Verstappen, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, is navigating a challenging 2026 F1 season with Red Bull Racing. He currently holds sixth position in the championship standings, trailing Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli by over 100 points. Red Bull has not secured a Grand Prix victory this season.
Verstappen’s future with Red Bull remains a subject of discussion. His current contract reportedly contains a performance clause, allowing him to depart if he is not within the top two in the standings by the summer break. Red Bull has reportedly offered a new contract to extend his tenure until the end of the 2029 season and remove this clause.
Rossi has also made lighthearted remarks regarding Verstappen’s increasing involvement in GT3 racing. He playfully suggested he ‘opened the door’ for the Dutchman’s foray into sports car competition. Verstappen owns Verstappen Racing, which fields a Mercedes-AMG GT3, and has competed in events such as the Nürburgring Endurance Series and the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Historically, Rossi explored a potential move to Formula 1 in the mid-2000s, undertaking several tests with Ferrari between 2004 and 2006. Despite being considered for a drive, he ultimately opted to continue his highly successful career in MotoGP, where he secured nine world championships.
I never want to fight with Verstappen for a championship if it’s possible.
The competitive drive evident in both Rossi’s motorcycle racing career and Verstappen’s Formula 1 approach underscores the intensity implied by such a hypothetical championship confrontation. Both drivers are known for their uncompromising pursuit of victory.
