Valentino Rossi, one of the greatest MotoGP riders, retired after the 2021 season, but the decision was partly shaped by a terrifying incident during the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix. In a dramatic crash, Franco Morbidelli lost control of his bike, which flew dangerously close to Rossi, narrowly avoiding what could have been a catastrophic accident. This event was a major turning point for Rossi, as he recounted on the MigBabol podcast.
Looking back, Rossi described the intensity of that moment. He explained that in the later years of his career, he focused on racing safely without being reckless. However, the Austrian GP crash reminded him of how unpredictable the sport can be. “I was always careful, even as a young rider, never enjoying crashes or injuries,” Rossi said. That day, he and fellow rider Maverick Viñales were approaching Turn 3 at high speed when chaos unfolded behind them as Johann Zarco and Franco Morbidelli collided, sending Morbidelli’s bike spinning out of control.
Rossi recalled seeing a shadow pass by and initially mistook it for the helicopter filming the race. Seconds later, he realized it was Zarco’s bike flying overhead, causing Viñales to instinctively shield himself. In the aftermath, Rossi returned to the pits, visibly shaken, realizing just how close he came to disaster. The incident left a lasting impression, with spectators and fellow racers in shock over how narrowly both riders had escaped injury.
The crash’s aftermath stayed with Rossi, especially once he saw footage of Morbidelli’s bike passing within inches of him. “It was so fast, just a blink, and I didn’t even see it,” he admitted. Reflecting on that terrifying moment, he confessed that the close call was one of the factors leading to his decision to retire the following year. Despite his experience, the fear of being in the wrong place at the wrong time became a reality he could no longer ignore.
Rossi acknowledged that, alongside this scare, his declining competitiveness in the sport also contributed to his retirement. Despite his efforts to remain safe and avoid accidents, this harrowing event underscored the inherent risks of MotoGP, and the realization that he was no longer performing at his peak helped solidify his decision to step away from racing.