WRC Legend SĂ©bastien Ogier Invites Max Verstappen to Try… read more 👇 details in the comments sectionÂ
Four-time Formula 1 world champion has been offered a unique opportunity to experience the world of rally racing by one of the sport’s greatest competitors. Nine-time World Rally Championship winner has revealed that he would gladly welcome Verstappen for a test drive in a rally car, despite the Dutchman previously expressing concerns about the dangers involved in the discipline.
Verstappen’s passion for motorsport extends far beyond Formula 1. In recent years, he has shown a strong interest in endurance and GT racing, even taking part in the famous 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. His love for different forms of racing has led many fans to wonder whether he could one day explore other categories after his F1 career.
The connection to rallying already runs deep within the Verstappen family. Max’s father, , has become an active competitor in rally events and currently races in the European Rally Championship. The former F1 driver has impressed many with his performances, regularly competing against younger and more experienced rally specialists.
Recently, Ogier shared a photograph on social media featuring himself alongside Max and Jos Verstappen. In a light-hearted caption, the French rally icon jokingly suggested that Max could follow in his father’s footsteps and try rally racing. While the post was made in a playful manner, Ogier admitted that he would genuinely be interested in seeing Verstappen behind the wheel of a proper rally car.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Ogier explained that Verstappen had already sampled one of his former rally cars, a Ford Fiesta, during a previous outing. However, the experience took place on a racing circuit rather than on a traditional rally stage. According to Ogier, a circuit does not fully showcase what a rally car is capable of, and he believes Verstappen would need to drive on actual rally roads to truly appreciate the challenge.
Ogier suggested that a driver with Verstappen’s talent and competitive spirit could eventually become curious about rallying. Although he stopped short of predicting a future rally career for the Formula 1 champion, he made it clear that the invitation remains open. If Verstappen ever decides he wants a proper test, Ogier says he would be more than happy to arrange it.
Despite the offer, Verstappen has repeatedly stated that he is unlikely to take rallying seriously due to the significant risks involved. During an appearance on the Up to Speed podcast, the Dutchman praised his father’s achievements in the discipline and admitted that he finds rally racing fascinating to watch.
Verstappen highlighted how impressive it is that Jos continues to compete successfully at the age of 53, often challenging or defeating rivals who are decades younger. He acknowledged that experience plays a major role in rallying, particularly through pace notes and familiarity with stages, but stressed that his father’s speed and skill remain remarkable.
The reigning F1 star also revealed that he occasionally competes against his father in informal driving sessions on temporary courses set up at airfields. According to Verstappen, beating Jos is far from easy and often requires him to drive at his absolute limit.
Although he enjoys these controlled environments, Verstappen admits that real rally stages are a different story. Watching onboard footage from his father’s events has only reinforced his belief that rallying carries a level of danger he is not prepared to accept. He pointed out that a small mistake on a rally stage can result in a collision with immovable objects such as trees, which leaves little room for error.
For Verstappen, this contrasts with Formula 1, where modern safety barriers are designed to absorb impacts and reduce injury risks. While he deeply respects rally drivers and admires the sport, he feels the potential consequences of an accident are simply too great.
As a result, while Ogier’s invitation remains an intriguing possibility, Verstappen appears content to admire rallying from a distance rather than become an active participant in one of motorsport’s most demanding disciplines.