A man has been brutally bashed and left for dead on the side of the M1 on the Gold Coast after a road rage incident turned violent overnight.

After speaking with witnesses, detectives are searching for a white van or minibus, which was carrying up to 13 people, as the victim fights for life in the Gold Coast University Hospital.

Police are hunting 13 people in a white van or minibus after a man was left for dead on the M1. Credit:Twitter - @TheTodayShow

Emergency services were called to a stretch of the M1 between Yatala and Pimpama about 9.45pm after passing motorists witnessed the incident.

Investigations suggest the driver of a Subaru Forester station wagon and occupants of the minibus were involved in a road rage incident before they both pulled over. Police do not have any information regarding what sparked the disagreement.