Max Verstappen has revealed that if he hadn’t made it in four-wheel racing, he would have liked to try his luck on two wheels. It’s no secret that the Dutchman is a big fan of MotoGP, but in a recent interview, he admitted that he has always wanted to compete in motorsport. If his Formula 1 dream hadn’t come true, Verstappen might have become a champion on a motorcycle.
In the run-up to the São Paulo GP, Verstappen, along with colleague and good friend Gabriel Bortoleto, was a guest on the Pelas Pistas podcast. Hosts and drivers Christian Fittipaldi and Nelson Piquet Jr. asked the Dutchman about his favorite racing class. “MotoGP,” Verstappen responded decisively. “If I could participate in something and four-wheel racing didn’t exist, I would choose MotoGP. If I had the talent, of course,” he added with a laugh.
Verstappen had a taste of two-wheel racing in his youth. “Between the ages of eight and twelve, I rode on those small mini-motorcycles,” he recalled. “I enjoyed that immensely. I realized quite quickly that I had more talent on four wheels, but I loved doing it. And of course, I still love watching MotoGP,” Verstappen explained. “Those guys are crazy – but in a good way.” The world champion revealed that he seriously considered motorsport as a ‘plan B’. “That is, if I hadn’t succeeded on four wheels,” he clarified. “I mean, you have to do something,” he joked in conclusion.
‘I Try to Watch All the Races’
Max Verstappen does not hide his fondness for MotoGP. He previously mentioned that he brings his tablet to Grands Prix to follow the championship live whenever possible. In an interview with Servus TV, he once spoke with seven-time MotoGP champion Marc Márquez. “I’m a big fan and try to watch every race,” he stated at the time. “I even bring my iPad to the circuits so I don’t miss anything.”
Although Verstappen admits he would like to give it a try, he realizes that a test ride on a MotoGP speedster might be a bit too ambitious. “I would love to do it, but it’s probably wiser to start with a Moto2 or Moto3 bike,” says Verstappen. “And besides, I understand my team’s concerns.” Red Bull would likely see too much risk in such an adventure for their four-time world champion. “So for now, I just enjoy it as a spectator.”
