Max Verstappen reflects on a possible alternative racing path – Having now completed a decade in Formula 1, Max Verstappen has established himself as one of the most successful and recognisable figures in modern motorsport. As the son of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, many assumed that his path into single-seater racing was inevitable. However, according to Verstappen himself, his future was not always exclusively focused on Formula 1.
Two-wheel racing was a genuine consideration in his early years, and he still has a strong passion for motorcycle competition today.
Other interests for Verstappen
Verstappen’s achievements in Formula 1 are well documented. A four-time world champion, he is widely regarded as the most complete driver on the current grid, even in seasons where results fluctuate. Although he is still mathematically involved in this year’s title fight, a third-place finish appears to be the most realistic outcome. Nevertheless, his reputation as a generational talent remains firmly intact.
Alongside his Formula 1 commitments, Verstappen’s enthusiasm for motorsport extends far beyond single-seaters. He frequently follows other championships, and endurance racing in particular draws his interest. Earlier this year, he made his competitive GT3 debut in an NLS race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Partnering with Chris Lulham, Verstappen showcased his adaptability by winning the race outright — another testament to his diverse racing capabilities.
A Look at Verstappen’s Alternative Career Ambitions
Despite his success in Formula 1, Verstappen has openly acknowledged that his motorsport ambitions could have looked quite different. Speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast, he revealed that motorcycle racing held a strong appeal for him during his childhood.
“If I couldn’t race cars or in Formula 1, I would go for MotoGP… if I didn’t have the talent,” he explained. His comments highlight his genuine interest in competitive two-wheel racing.
Verstappen also revealed that he gained real experience in the discipline: “Between the ages of eight and twelve, I also raced Mini Moto and I really enjoyed it. I realised very early on that I had more talent on four wheels, but I still loved it.”
Those formative years not only introduced him to racing, but also gave him an appreciation of the skill and physicality required in motorcycle competition. Ultimately, he turned firmly towards karting and then single-seaters, but his admiration for MotoGP remained.
Verstappen’s Enthusiasm for MotoGP Today
He remains an avid MotoGP fan and keeps up with the championship whenever his Formula 1 schedule allows. He has spoken openly about how captivating he finds elite motorcycle racing.
“I try not to miss a MotoGP race, and I take my iPad to the circuits to watch them when the weekends coincide,” he said. “MotoGP is a kind of positive madness.”
His comments reflect the growing mutual appreciation between top-tier athletes in both disciplines. Many MotoGP riders have praised Verstappen’s achievements in Formula 1, and Verstappen frequently speaks highly of the bravery and technical talent required in MotoGP.
Could Verstappen make the switch to two wheels?
Verstappen has considered trying a high-performance racing motorcycle, but there are practical obstacles. While he would like to experience riding a MotoGP machine, his Red Bull Racing employers are understandably cautious about the risks.
“Maybe it would be better to start with Moto3 or Moto2 before jumping on a MotoGP bike. I’d love to try, of course! But I do understand my team’s reluctance,” said Verstappen.
Although a full-time switch to MotoGP remains unrealistic, the Dutchman’s comments highlight his ongoing interest in the category. Whether he will eventually get the opportunity to test a competitive racing bike remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that his passion for two-wheeled competition is genuine, and continues to influence his engagement with the wider motorsport world.
NEXT ARTICLE: Christian Horner meets F1 CEO and Zak Brown in an F1 return bid
Christian Horner has been silent since his dismissal as the CEO and team principal of the Red Bull Racing team, yet rumours persist over his return to the sport. Behind Frank Williams who was the team boss for Williams for some 43 years, Horner’s night on 20 year tenure at the helm in Milton Keynes makes him the second longest serving F1 team boss in history.
He was brutally deposed from his role at Red Bull just days after the British Grand Prix by the new Austrian director at the helm of the parent company following the death of billionaire entrepreneur Didi Mateschitz.
There have been persistent rumours over where Horner might appear and he has been heavily linked in the Italian media with the poisoned chalice role as the boss of the dysfunctional Ferrari outfit. The furore surrounding the former Red Bull boss replacing Fred Vasseur that Ferrari chairman John Elkann was forced to issue a public statement at the recent US Grand Prix giving his beleaguered team boss a vote of confidence.
Horner remains linked with Alpine
Yet Christian Horner is said to be eyeing up an opportunity to return to the sport with an equity stake in a team, something Red Bull never offered and neither would Ferrari. This has led to a number of teams being forced to deny they are in talks with Horner, most specifically the Haas F1 outfit.
Alpine remain a potential home for the former Red Bull boss given Renault’s uncertain handling of the future of the Enstone based team. Further, Flavio Briatore who has been recruited by the executives in Paris to restore the fortunes if the once title winning outfit has a deep friendship with Horner and recent sales of equity in the team suggest Horner could fulfil his ambitions with Alpine.
Christian Horner had a contract with Red Bull which ran until the conclusion of 2030 which meant his payout was significant. Some reports have suggested it was as much as $100m although others claim he agreed a discounted sum to ensure his gardening leave was just nine months.
Italian publication FunoAnalisiTecnica now claims the former Red Bull boss has recently met with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to discuss the possibility of creating a new 12th team from scratch. The last time F1 had 12 teams on the grid was in 2012 and the Concorde Agreement does provide for this scenario to be repeated…READ MORE ON THIS ARTICLE
Thiago Treze is a Brazilian motorsport writer at TJ13 with a background in sports journalism and broadcast media, alongside an academic foundation in engineering with a focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This combination of technical knowledge and editorial experience allows Thiago to approach Formula 1 from both a performance and narrative perspective.
At TJ13, Treze covers driver performance, career developments, and key storylines across the Formula 1 grid, while also analysing the technical factors that influence competitiveness. This includes aerodynamic development trends, simulation-driven design approaches, and the engineering decisions that shape race weekend outcomes.
His reporting bridges the gap between human performance and machine development, helping readers understand how driver execution and technical innovation interact in modern Formula 1. Coverage often connects on-track events with the underlying engineering philosophies that define each team’s approach.
With a global perspective shaped by both journalism and technical study, Thiago also focuses on Formula 1’s international reach and the different ways the sport is experienced across regions.
Treze has a particular interest in how Computational Fluid Dynamics and aerodynamic modelling contribute to car performance, offering accessible explanations of complex technical concepts within Formula 1.
