Valentino Rossi has said that Formula 1 is "crazy" to try to rein in Max Verstappen.
The flamboyant MotoGP rider admits that he is a fan of the 20-year-old Red Bull driver.
"Verstappen is the new star of Formula 1," he told Italian radio station Radio Deejay.
"He is doing really well but they are trying to slow him down, which is crazy. If I had a say in how Formula 1 is run, I would want 12 Verstappens on the grid.
"Max is an extraordinary driver. He's young, he makes fun of the system and he overtakes, which are qualities that the public loves."
"Verstappen is like [Johann] Zarco," Rossi said, comparing the Red Bull driver to an exciting MotoGP newcomer.
"Neither of them ever slows down, so you have to make room otherwise there's a danger you will both fall."
Verstappen finished the 2017 championship in sixth place.
