Verstappen Dreams of MotoGP Glory, Acknowledges Four-Wheeled Destiny

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has confessed that, had his career on four wheels not taken off, he would have wholeheartedly pursued a career in the high-octane world of MotoGP. The revelation came during an appearance on the Pelas Pistas podcast, alongside Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, where Verstappen openly discussed his passion for motorcycle racing.

"MotoGP," Verstappen affirmed without hesitation when asked about his favorite racing series. "If I could choose anything, let’s say, if you couldn’t race on four wheels or race in general, I would say MotoGP." He added with a chuckle, "If I had the talent!"

Verstappen’s affinity for motorsports is deeply rooted in his upbringing. Tutored by his father, Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver himself, Max began his racing journey in karting at a very young age. While his primary focus remained on four-wheeled machines, he did dabble in two-wheeled racing during his formative years.

"Yeah, I raced on these little mini bikes when I was like eight to 12 or something," Verstappen recalled. "I enjoyed it a lot. I think I quickly realized that I have more talent on four wheels, but I really loved it. Even still, I still love watching MotoGP. They’re crazy, but good crazy."

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MotoGP, it seems, would have been Verstappen’s fallback plan had his single-seater ambitions not materialized. "That is, if I wouldn’t succeed in anything that I do on four wheels. I mean, you have to do something," he stated matter-of-factly.

Verstappen’s fascination with MotoGP is no secret. He has frequently expressed his admiration for the sport and its riders. In a previous interview alongside seven-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on ServusTV, Verstappen confirmed his dedication to following the two-wheeled action. "I’m a big MotoGP fan and I try to watch every race," he said, adding, "I even take my iPad to the circuits so I don’t miss anything."

Despite his clear enthusiasm, Verstappen remains grounded in the reality of his current career trajectory. With four Formula 1 World Championships under his belt, he is firmly established as one of the sport’s dominant forces. His commitment to Red Bull Racing is unwavering, and his focus remains solely on maximizing his performance on the track.

While the prospect of Verstappen swapping his Formula 1 car for a MotoGP bike might seem like a distant fantasy, his comments offer a glimpse into the multifaceted interests and passions that lie beneath the surface of the fiercely competitive racing driver.

The physical demands of MotoGP are well-documented. Riders must possess exceptional strength, agility, and reflexes to control the powerful machines at speeds exceeding 200 mph. The risks are also significantly higher than in Formula 1, with crashes being a common occurrence.

Verstappen is aware of these challenges and has expressed a cautious approach to the idea of riding a MotoGP bike. "I would love to try it, but I think it would be more sensible to start with a Moto2 or a Moto3 bike before trying a MotoGP," he conceded. "I would love to do it, but I understand the concerns of my team. For now, I will settle for enjoying it as a spectator."

Red Bull Racing, understandably, would be apprehensive about allowing their star driver to participate in a potentially dangerous activity outside of his Formula 1 commitments. Verstappen’s health and safety are paramount, and any injury sustained on a motorcycle could jeopardize his performance in the championship.

However, Verstappen’s passion for MotoGP is undeniable, and it is possible that he may explore the possibility of riding a motorcycle more seriously once his Formula 1 career comes to an end. For now, though, he remains content to admire the skill and bravery of the MotoGP riders from afar.

Max Verstappen’s current standing in Formula 1 is impressive. At just 26 years old, he has already amassed four World Championships (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), 63 Grand Prix victories, and 39 pole positions. He is widely regarded as one of the most talented drivers of his generation, and his dominance in recent years has been remarkable.

His 2023 season was particularly outstanding, as he broke numerous records and secured the championship with several races to spare. He won 19 of the 22 races, surpassing Alberto Ascari’s long-standing record for the highest percentage of wins in a single season.

Red Bull Racing has also been a formidable force in Formula 1, thanks in large part to Verstappen’s contributions. The team has won six Constructors’ Championships (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2022, 2023) and is currently leading the standings in 2024.

Looking ahead, Verstappen is expected to remain a dominant figure in Formula 1 for many years to come. His contract with Red Bull Racing extends until 2028, and he has expressed his commitment to the team. With his talent, determination, and the support of a strong team, he is well-positioned to add to his already impressive list of achievements.

Meanwhile, the MotoGP World Championship continues to captivate audiences around the world with its thrilling races and daring riders. The sport has a rich history and a passionate fanbase, and it remains one of the most popular forms of motorsport.

The current MotoGP season is shaping up to be another exciting one, with several riders vying for the championship. Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning champion, is looking to defend his title, but he faces stiff competition from the likes of Marc Marquez, Jorge Martin, and Enea Bastianini.

The MotoGP calendar consists of 21 races held at iconic circuits around the world, including Mugello, Silverstone, and Phillip Island. The races are known for their close battles, daring overtakes, and unpredictable outcomes.

While Max Verstappen’s future remains firmly rooted in Formula 1, his passion for MotoGP serves as a reminder that even the most successful athletes have other interests and dreams. Whether he ever gets the chance to race a MotoGP bike remains to be seen, but his admiration for the sport and its riders is clear for all to see.