# Max Verstappen Avoids Rossi Race Clash

> Max Verstappen aims to skip on-track battle with Rossi at Portimao GT3 finale.
- Title: Max Verstappen Avoids Rossi Race Clash · Motorsport | Shortify
- Summary: Max Verstappen aims to skip on-track battle with Rossi at Portimao GT3 finale. Max Verstappen hopes to avoid racing Valentino Rossi in the GT World Challenge…
- Keywords: max verstappen, valentino rossi, gt world challenge, portimao, september 2026, sports, cars, Max, Verstappen, Avoids, Rossi, Race
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/max-verstappen-reveals-valentino-rossi-wish-ahead-of-portimao-gt3-season-finale/10861597
- Author: Lydia Mee
- Published: 2026-10-03T14:40:22+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: max verstappen, valentino rossi, gt world challenge, portimao, f1, september 2026, sports, cars
## Max Verstappen's GT3 plans
Max Verstappen will compete in the GT World Challenge Europe Cup season finale at Portimao, Portugal, on October 16-18.
## Rossi's racing history
Valentino Rossi, nine-time grand prix motorcycle racing champion, has competed in GT World Challenge Europe Cup since retiring from motorcycle racing in 2021.
## Verstappen's racing goal
Verstappen hopes to avoid racing against Rossi on the track but wants to see him at the event.
## Verstappen's quote
Verstappen said, 'I hope to see no one, to be just up front and do a good job.'

> I hope to see no one, to be just up front and do a good job.
## Verstappen's track preference
Verstappen praised Portimao as a 'very cool track to drive' after his first taste at the Nordschleife.
## Event dates
The GT World Challenge Europe Cup season finale occurs from October 16 to 18, 2026.
## Key takeaway

Max Verstappen hopes to avoid racing Valentino Rossi in the GT World Challenge Europe Cup season finale at Portimao, Portugal, on October 16-18.