Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has hinted to his fans at a shock GT racing career switch.

The Red Bull driver has claimed he wants to emulate MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, who moved to the GT World Challenge in the twilight of his career.

The Dutchman won his third world title last Saturday in Qatar and sits atop of the driver standings with 209 points as his teammate Sergio Perez is in second.

Speaking to Italian media, Verstappen said working with GT cars is something he would be interested in doing.

‘I will race longer, but not in Grand Prix races,’ he told Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The Red Bull driver has claimed he wants to emulate the MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi

The Dutchman won his third world title last Saturday and sits atop of the driver standings

‘It would be nice to do like Valentino Rossi, I like to see his races in GT, a category I have an interest in because we have our own car entered.

‘He did everything he could in MotoGP, with a crazy career, and now he’s having fun, while still working hard and wanting to win again. I think I will look for something similar in the future.’

Verstappen, who debuted in F1 as a teenager, stoked speculation earlier this year that he could walk from the sport when his current contract expires in 2028. The Red Bull ace will be 31 at the end of that deal, which he signed last March.

The Dutchman last week told the media it would be a ‘beautiful story’ if he were to stay with Red Bull for the remainder of his Formula One career.

He said: ‘It would be a beautiful story if I could drive here forever, that’s for sure, something that will be amazing.

‘I’m really happy with where I am. I feel at home, I feel really happy with the people who are very close to me here in the team.

‘For me, this is not something that I need to seek. I have a few more years left on my contract anyway, so I’m just enjoying the moment.’