Valentino Rossi: I'm done with Formula 1

Seven time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi has said that his dream of racing in F1 is over and his sole focus from now on is to improve his fortunes in the premier two-wheeler racing championship.

The 34-year-old driver from Italy has been a staunch supporter of Ferrari for many years and backs Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen as his favorites. He had even tested for Ferrari in 2010.

Valentino Rossi in a Ferrari during testing in 2010

In 2010, Rossi had hoped to be a part of Formula 1 but was skeptical about his fortunes if he had indeed made the transition from two wheels to four wheels.

“There are not many changes in a man’s body between 22 and 34 so I still have some time left. I would consider shifting to cars, probably rallying, after that before I finally decide to take it easy … I know F1 would’ve been easier but by the time I finish MotoGP, I will be too old for F1.”

Now that he has turned 34, Rossi reckons that he would not make it to F1. In a recent interview with Sky Italia, Rossi said, “Unfortunately, I’m done with Formula 1. I will continue racing for as long as I’m competitive and I will continue to support Ferrari, (Fernando) Alonso and (Kimi) Räikkönen.”

With this news, it is confirmed that Rossi will be unable to emulate John Surtees who remains the only person to become a Champion on two and four wheels, having won several bike racing events before becoming Formula 1 world champion in 1964.