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Max Verstappen confirmed to race against Valentino Rossi for first time ever in historic announcement

Racing fans are in for an absolute treat the next time F1 takes a week off, with Max Verstappen set to face off against one of the greatest racers of all time.

Published: Monday, 5 October 2026 at 8:55 AM
Max Verstappen confirmed to race against Valentino Rossi for first time ever in historic announcement
Key Things to Know
  • Max Verstappen will race against Valentino Rossi in the GT World Challenge Europe at Portimao.
  • The race takes place during the Formula 1 break between the Singapore and US Grands Prix.
  • Verstappen is filling in at Team Verstappen for absent drivers Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Max Verstappen is set to race against MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi for the first time in the GT World Challenge Europe series at Portimao. The event will take place during a Formula 1 break between the Singapore and United States Grands Prix, marking Verstappen's debut in the series.

Verstappen is stepping in for his squad, Team Verstappen, to replace regular drivers Jules Gounon and Dani Juncadella, who are unavailable due to a conflicting WEC race in Barcelona. The Dutchman also plans to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours and 24 Hours of Spa next year.

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