Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas have expressed their support for Kalle Rovanperä’s daring move. The 25-year-old Finn, a two-time World Rally Championship (WRC) winner and known as the youngest driver to achieve both a WRC podium and victory, is leaving rally racing for the Japanese Super Formula. In doing so, he hopes to move one step closer to his ultimate dream: a career in Formula 1.
Rovanperä is making the surprising switch from rally to single-seaters. A notable choice, as rally driving requires a completely different driving style than piloting Formula cars. The Finn, often described as ‘the Max Verstappen of rally racing’, plans to compete in the Japanese Super Formula for two years before considering his next move, potentially a Formula 1 career. Rovanperä is receiving support from Toyota, for whom he drives at Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT. Since Toyota is also a sponsor of Haas, it is not ruled out that the manufacturer may push the American team to give the Finn a chance in Formula 1 – provided he achieves strong results in Japan.
Valtteri Bottas, future Cadillac driver, expressed his respect for Rovanperä’s transition in the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat. “I must admit I was surprised by Kalle’s decision – but in a positive way,” says Bottas. “It’s a brave choice. He clearly wants to pursue his dreams, but a big change is coming. I greatly appreciate his courage.” Bottas, who also has experience in rally driving, knows how big the transition is from rally to formula cars. “It’s certainly not an easy step. In circuit racing, we all start in karts and gain experience in different classes over several years. Those Super Formula cars are very fast. Kalle might initially be shocked by how heavy it is on your neck, but he can train for that — and with his dedication, nothing is impossible.”
Rovanperä’s Challenge in Japan
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen also responded to Rovanperä’s transition in the Pelas Pistas podcast. “Anything is possible,” said Verstappen. “I’m very excited about his project, but it certainly won’t be easy. Ultimately, you have to make the right choices to end up with the right teams. I hope he has a competent team around him that gives him the chance to succeed.” The Dutchman also pointed out the additional challenge of racing in Japan. “It’s generally a culture shock to move from Europe to Japan,” notes Verstappen. “There may be a language barrier with the mechanics, and it will take a while before he thinks: ‘Wow, what am I actually doing?'”
