Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing is interviewed during Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //
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Formula 1 News: Verstappen backs Rovanpera’s ‘crazy’ F1 switch

Andrew Maitland

(GMM) Max Verstappen (pictured) says he fully supports Kalle Rovanpera’s shock decision to leave rallying and pursue a path toward Formula 1 – even if it’s one of the most radical career moves motorsport has seen in years.

Related Article: Formula 1 News: WRC champ Rovanpera says Toyota backing his F1 dream

“It’s a crazy step to take, but I like it,” Verstappen told Viaplay in Austin. “Of course I’d like to see him in rallying too, because I think rallying is great to watch.

“Moving to Super Formula is a big leap.”

The reigning quadruple world champion said he’s fascinated to see how the Finnish star adapts to single-seaters. “He has a big challenge ahead of him, but he’s really skilled. I’m looking forward to seeing how this all goes,” Verstappen added.

Rovanpera, 25, will race in Japan’s Super Formula championship in 2026 before targeting Formula 2 in 2027 – all under Toyota’s support. Toyota is in a new technical and financial alliance with the Haas team, fueling speculation that the partnership could eventually open an F1 seat for the two-time WRC champion.

Kalle Rovanperä (FIN) Of team TOYOTA GAZOO RACING WRT are seen during the World Rally Championship Italy in Olbia, Italy on 7,June. 2025 // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool
Kalle Rovanperä (FIN) Of team TOYOTA GAZOO RACING WRT are seen during the World Rally Championship Italy in Olbia, Italy on 7,June. 2025 // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool

Finnish racing veteran and team boss Marko Koiranen told Iltalehti that the logic is clear. “It’s easy to add one and one and get two,” he said. “Toyota supports Kalle, and it collaborates with the Haas F1 team.

“If everything goes as Kalle and Toyota have planned, I have no doubt for a moment that Kalle will find a place in F1.”

Rovanpera’s most immediate hurdle, however, will be accumulating enough FIA Super License points to qualify for Formula 1. That’s why he’s reportedly considering a stint in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship early next year to kickstart his single-seater credentials.

A spokesperson for the series confirmed the interest but stopped short of revealing details. “At this point, I can only say that we would be happy to welcome him to our series and would be happy to offer him the opportunity to take his first steps in the world of formula racing,” the spokesperson told Iltalehti.

“However, I cannot comment further on whether this will happen or not.”