Max Verstappen Hopes to Avoid On-Track Battle with Valentino Rossi in Portimao GT3 Race

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has confirmed he will compete in the season finale of the GT World Challenge Europe Cup at Portimao, Portugal, scheduled for October 16-18. Positioned between two F1 triple-headers, the event means the Dutch driver will be racing for seven consecutive weekends. Verstappen confirmed his entry heading into the F1 race weekend at the Sepang International Circuit after securing pole position.

The upcoming race will mark the first time Verstappen shares a GT3 starting grid with nine-time grand prix motorcycle racing champion Valentino Rossi. Since retiring from motorcycle racing at the end of 2021, Rossi has been competing in sports car events including the GT World Challenge Europe Cup, the 24H GT Series, and the World Endurance Championship.

Speaking to the media after claiming pole position in Sepang, Verstappen expressed enthusiasm about meeting Rossi off the track, describing him as a cool guy. However, Verstappen added that he hopes not to see Rossi during the race itself, noting that staying out in front with no other cars around is usually a good sign for his performance.

Verstappen acknowledged that the grid is highly competitive and that GT racing is very different from Formula 1. Having had his first taste of the discipline earlier this year at the Nordschleife, he described Portimao as a great track to drive and stated that his team will do their best to achieve a strong result.