Max Verstappen on why MotoGP tempts him: "If I had the talent!"

Max Verstappen has revealed that if he hadn't been successful in his four-wheeled racing career, he would have instead chased a life in MotoGP. 

Speaking on the Pelas Pistas podcast alongside Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, the four-time champion didn't hesitate when he was asked which racing series he loves the most. 

"MotoGP," he confirmed, before adding: “If I could choose anything, like, let’s say, if you couldn’t race on four wheels or race in general, I would say MotoGP."

He laughed, admitting it wouldn't be that easy: "If I had the talent!"

The driver, tutored by his father and former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen, started racing in karts at a very young age. But he also dipped a toe in two-wheeled racing.

“Yeah, I raced on these little mini bikes when I was like eight to 12 or something,” he continued. “I enjoyed it a lot. I think I quickly realised that I have more talent on four wheels, but I really loved it.

"Even still, I still love watching MotoGP. They’re crazy, but good crazy.”

MotoGP would likely have been his plan B if single-seater racing didn't click for him: “That is, if I wouldn’t succeed in anything that I do on four wheels. I mean, you have to do something.”

Verstappen has consistently shown his love for motorcycle racing. In an interview alongside seven-time MotoGP champion Marc Marquez on ServusTV, he confirmed: “I’m a big MotoGP fan and I try to watch every race."

He added: “I even take my iPad to the circuits so I don’t miss anything.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

As for the Red Bull champion getting behind the handlebars of a racing motorcycle, he's keen to avoid the dangers of such a machine.

“I would love to try it, but I think it would be more sensible to start with a Moto2 or a Moto3 bike before trying a MotoGP.

“I would love to do it, but I understand the concerns of my team. For now, I will settle for enjoying it as a spectator.”