Rossi: "I would put him on the same level as Verstappen"

Bianchi died at a very young age in a tragic accident at Suzuka in 2014. The Frenchman was driving his second season in Formula 1 and much was expected of him. Unfortunately, he died too early to show his true talent to the whole world. American driver Rossi often saw Bianchi pass him in the step-up classes and knows exactly how good the driver was. At the time Rossi was driving in GP3 and Bianchi in GP2.

Rossi looks back on fatal weekend

In the Beyond the Grid podcast, the American says: "In the lower categories, he was already one of the chosen ones to join the group of super talents. I would put him on the same level as Verstappen in terms of ability and talent. He has won every championship he has participated in." Both drivers had joined the Manor Racing team in 2014. Bianchi as a driver and Rossi as a reserve driver.

Rossi remembers the terrible weekend well, "It was terrible to be part of that weekend at Suzuka. It was a very complicated time for the whole team." Actually, Rossi was supposed to make his F1 debut in Sochi at the GP of Russia the following week. Out of respect for Bianchi, the team decided to run with one car after all. Rossi was happy with that decision, "I spoke with Joe Saward and Tracy Novak that weekend and I said I thought the situation was terrible and I didn't want to make my debut that way."