Rossi says he’d love to share a GT car with Verstappen

Four‑time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi praised Max Verstappen’s recent foray into GT racing, saying the Dutch driver’s appearance at Paul Ricard confirms the growing appeal of GT cars beyond Formula 1.

Why it matters:

• Rossi’s endorsement signals that GT World Challenge Europe is becoming a magnet for top‑level talent from other series, raising the championship’s profile.
• A joint appearance by two of motorsport’s biggest names would generate massive fan interest and could spark more cross‑disciplinary collaborations.

The details:

• Rossi has been competing in the Nurburgring Langstrecken‑Serie (NLS) and will run the Nurburgring 24 Hours qualifiers in May, adding credibility to his GT credentials.
• Verstappen, who stunned F1 fans by testing a GT3 car for the Red Bull‑affiliated team at Paul Ricard, finished the weekend’s race in the midfield but showed strong pace.
• Speaking to Sky Sport Italy, Rossi joked, “I opened the door a little, I paved the way a bit,” and added that seeing Verstappen behind the wheel “gives me great satisfaction.”
• He expressed a personal wish: “I really hope I can get on track with him soon and do a couple of laps together.”
• Rossi highlighted the appeal of GT racing – fast, heavy, and demanding – as a pure expression of motorsport’s essence.

What's next:

• Rossi will tackle the Nurburgring 24 Hours later this month, while Verstappen is expected to return to the GT World Challenge for additional tests.
• If the two drivers ever line up for a joint stint, it would likely be a high‑profile exhibition rather than a competitive entry, but the buzz alone could boost the series’ global reach.
• Both drivers remain focused on their primary championships, yet Rossi’s comment suggests a willingness to keep the door open for future collaborations, keeping fans eager for the next crossover moment.