Valentino Rossi Reveals Change After MotoGP Retirement - 'I Worked Less'

Alex Harrington | Aug 11, 2024

August 26, 2012; Brno, CZECH REPUBLIC; MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi (ITA) looks on prior to the Czech Republic Grand Prix at Automotodrom Brno. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Valentino Rossi, the legendary nine-time motorcycle world champion, has transitioned from his illustrious MotoGP career, which spanned over two decades, to a new pace of life post-retirement.

Rossi concluded his dynamic 26-season MotoGP career in November 2021, a period marked by 115 race wins and 235 podiums, to explore the thrill of car racing. This new chapter hasn’t slowed him, as evidenced by his victories in the GT World Challenge Europe series and accomplishments as a factory BMW GT3 driver, including podium finishes in the FIA World Endurance Championship and leading the LMGT3 class at the iconic Le Mans race.

Moreover, Rossi's influence in motorcycle racing continues through his roles in management and mentorship. His VR46 Riders Academy recently celebrated significant victories, including Francesco Bagnaia bagging MotoGP titles and Marco Bezzecchi securing three premier class Grands Prix wins. Rossi's deep involvement in shaping future talents underscores his enduring commitment to the motorsports world.

However, according to Rossi, the pressures of racing life have shifted towards more time in the office.

"When I stopped with the MotoGP, [the mentality] changed a bit. You have less pressure, and you start to understand some things in a different way compared to when you are a rider," said Rossi during a TNT Sports interview, as quoted by Crash.net. During his competitive years, Rossi described being in a relentless "bubble," intensely focused on performance and race outcomes.

While the pace may differ, the workload does not seem to lighten for Rossi.

"Now, I’m more relaxed, [but] apart for that, [the life] doesn’t change a lot: I have a lot of things to do, because we work very hard for the team, for example, and also with the academy, to try to give the good help to all our riders," he commented.

Rossi also disclosed that, ironically, retirement brought more work, not less, compared to his racing days. "And I work, I work more. When I was a rider I worked less — now there’s a lot of time in the office, and a lot of things to do,” he explained.

Amidst these changes, Rossi's personal life flourishes as well; he embraced fatherhood two years post-retirement and is now expecting his second child with his partner, Francesca.