F1 reacts to Rossi MotoGP retirement

F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali has led tributes for Valentino Rossi after the nine-time MotoGP champion announced his retirement.

Rossi confirmed on Thursday [August 5] that the 2021 season will be his last after 26 years of grand prix racing.

Although famed for his efforts on two wheels, Rossi came close on a number of occasions to making the switch to F1.

Most notably, the Italian claimed to have spoken with Ferrari in 2009 about serving as Felipe Massa's replacement for Monza with the Brazilian out injured after his Hungarian Grand Prix crash.

"Valentino Rossi has given so much to motorsport and to fans globally he is a true hero," said Domenicali.

"It will be very strange not to see him on the bike next season but what he has achieved is incredible and part of history forever. Best of luck for the future my friend."

Of his countryman, Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi said: "423 races, 115 victories, 235 podiums, 9 world championships. "A single passion that will never end.

"Thanks for all these emotions, it was a show."

GPFans has compiled a series of social media reactions from drivers and teams as the sport celebrates the 42-year-old's career.

F1 reacts to Rossi announcement

Ciao @ValeYellow46, it’s been wonderful watching you perform on race tracks around the world for all these years and it was also fantastic to share days like this together. Thanks for all the great moments you have given us and best of luck for whatever you do next! #GrazieVale pic.twitter.com/HEI53ZYwRv

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) August 5, 2021

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A post shared by Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo)

Racing says goodbye to one of the all-time 🐐s of the motorsport world. 👑

A man who absolutely defined a generation of motorcycle racing with nine world titles, seven of those in @MotoGP! 🏆🤩

Enjoy your retirement @ValeYellow46! 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/TwUlDdWSdW

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) August 5, 2021

One of the greatest to grace motorsport. Congratulations on a stellar career, @ValeYellow46. 🙌

26 seasons of grand prix racing including 7 @MotoGP titles, 89 race wins, 55 pole positions and 199 podiums in the class. 😳 pic.twitter.com/FytpAS8xLU

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) August 5, 2021

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A post shared by Mark Webber (@aussiegrit)

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A post shared by Alex Albon (@alex_albon)

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