The world of F1 reacts to Valentino Rossi’s departure
The Italian legend with 9 motorcycling world titles will retire as a rider at the end of the season. Following the announcement of his retirement, the F1 paddock paid tribute to him.
It is a new chapter in the world of sports that is turning. At the end of the season, Valentino Rossi will hang up his helmet, after over 25 years at the highest level of motorcycle sports. Since his debut on two wheels, the Italian has won the world title 9 times, won 115 races, and stood on the podium 215 times, across all categories.
The native of Tavulia has always been passionate about speed and had, on several occasions, piloted Formula 1 cars. He first conducted several tests aboard Ferrari between 2004 and 2010, before exchanging his ride with Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes in 2019.
While he has marked several generations with his successes, battles, and rivalries, the world of Formula 1 has paid tribute to the career of the Italian driver.
« Valentino Rossi has given so much to motorsport and fans worldwide that he is a true hero. It will be very strange not to see him on the bike next season, but what he has accomplished is incredible and will always be part of history. Good luck for the future my friend! », said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
Mercedes wished the driver who had the chance to test a world championship single-seater a happy retirement.
The world of motor sports says goodbye to one of the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT). A man who has definitely defined a generation of motorcycle racing with 9 world titles, including 7 in MotoGP. Enjoy your retirement well, Mercedes posted on Twitter.
I have idolised @ValeYellow46 ever since I was a kid. My kart was #46 and covered in Rossi stickers. He’s continued to be one of my biggest inspirations and I will forever admire what he has achieved in motorsport. Congratulations on an incredible career 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZDmp8iGP9D
— Alex Albon (@alex_albon) August 5, 2021
On Instagram, Daniel Ricciardo also paid tribute and highlighted the achievements of Doctor and invited him to his ranch, probably for a little motocross race.
Where does one start… The joy, the happiness, the excitement that you brought to so many screens and race tracks around the world may never be matched, or at least not in my lifetime. I wish you the happiest retirement, but we all know that doesn’t mean a life without two wheels.
« Lengthily, may your passion continue. I will wait at your ranch when the seasons are over. In the name of the whole world, Grazie! You are a legendary companion. »
423 gare, 115 vittorie, 235 podi, 9 mondiali.
Ma anche oltre 50 milioni di persone in piedi sul divano, 2939458010303 abbracci, 92988494040538 di Rossi c’è.
Una sola passione che non finirà mai.
VR46❤️ Grazie di tutte queste emozioni, è stato uno spettacolo.
#Vale#VR46 pic.twitter.com/S68U8eRNna— Antonio Giovinazzi (@Anto_Giovinazzi) August 5, 2021
