Max Verstappen, a four‑time F1 champion, says he’d rather not tangle with Valentino Rossi when they line up together at Portimao’s GT3 finale.
Ahead of the Sepang F1 weekend, Verstappen confirmed his entry in the GT World Challenge Europe Cup finale in Portugal. The Dutch driver will race seven weeks straight, squeezed between two triple‑header F1 events.
His teammate will be nine‑time motorcycle Grand Prix champion Valentino Rossi, who switched to GT racing after retiring in 2021. Rossi has already tackled the GT World Challenge, the 24H GT Series and the World Endurance Championship.
After clinching pole in Sepang, the Red Bull star fielded a question about the added thrill of facing Rossi on the grid.
“I’d love to see him,” Verstappen said. “He’s a great guy, so catching up would be fun. Still, I’d rather not meet him in the race – that would be a good sign.” For my money, a clean start outweighs any rivalry.
Valentino Rossi on the starting grid
“My goal is a clean front‑row run and a solid performance. The field is fierce, so I’m eager for the challenge.”
“GT racing feels worlds apart from F1, but I enjoy it,” Rossi noted. “I got a taste at the Nordschleife this year, and Portimao’s twists excite me. We’ll push for the best possible result.”
The GT World Challenge Europe Cup finale runs from 16 to 18 October.
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– The Team