The Red Bull driver sealed his third consecutive world championship after finishing second in the Qatar GP sprint race.

Verstappen, still only 26, became the first driver to wrap up a title during a sprint event, the short-form format introduced in 2021.

But despite his dominance, the F1 ace sparked speculation earlier this year that he could walk from the sport when his current contract expires in 2028.

And now the Dutchman has claimed he wants to mirror the career of MotoGp legend Valentino Rossi.

Verstappen made it clear that working with GT cars is an avenue he would like to explore.

Max Verstappen has hinted at a career away from F1 Credit: Getty

He told Gazzetta Dello Sport: “I will race longer, but not in Grand Prix races.

“It would be nice to do it 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.”

Motorbike icon Valentino Rossi won seven MotoGP championships

GT racecar engines are factory engines with some performance tweaks that are designed for road cars.

A grand tourer is a type of vehicle that is designed for high speed and long-distance driving.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also suggested that Verstappen will not continue deep into his thirties.

The F1 ace will be 31 at the end of his current deal, which he signed last March.

F1 drivers head to the United States GP on Sunday- with Verstappen leading his team-mate Sergio Perez by 209 points.