Max Verstappen, a well-known name in the world of Formula 1 racing, recently shared an interesting detail about his passions outside of cars. In a conversation on the “Pelas Pistas” podcast with fellow racer Gabriel Bortoleto, Verstappen revealed that if he hadn’t found success in car racing, he would have pursued a career in MotoGP, the top level of motorcycle racing.
When asked about his favorite racing series, Verstappen didn’t hesitate. “MotoGP,” he said, explaining that if he couldn’t race cars, he would choose MotoGP. He jokingly added that this would only be possible “if I had the talent!”
Verstappen’s journey into racing began at a young age, guided by his father, Jos Verstappen, who also raced in Formula 1. He started with karts but also spent some time racing mini bikes when he was a child. “I enjoyed it a lot,” Verstappen recalled. “I think I quickly realized that I have more talent on four wheels, but I really loved it.”
Even though he chose cars, Verstappen still has a strong interest in MotoGP. “Even still, I still love watching MotoGP,” he said. “They’re crazy, but good crazy.” He sees motorcycle racing as a potential “plan B” if things hadn’t worked out with cars.
Verstappen’s love for motorcycle racing isn’t new. In a past interview with MotoGP champion Marc Marquez, Verstappen mentioned that he tries to watch every race and even brings his iPad to racing events so he doesn’t miss any of the action.
While Verstappen is a big fan of MotoGP, he is also aware of the risks involved. When asked about the possibility of riding a racing motorcycle himself, he said he would like to try it but would prefer to start with a Moto2 or Moto3 bike before attempting to ride a MotoGP bike. “I would love to do it, but I understand the concerns of my team,” Verstappen explained. “For now, I will settle for enjoying it as a spectator.”
This peek into Verstappen’s interests shows a different side of the racing star. While he’s known for his skill and success on the Formula 1 track, his passion for MotoGP highlights his broader love for racing and his appreciation for the skill and daring of motorcycle racers. It seems that even at the top of his game in Formula 1, Verstappen still dreams of the challenges and thrills of the world of MotoGP.
