WRC Legend Ogier Offers Max Verstappen a World Rally Car Test Drive

Nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Ogier has extended an unexpected invitation to Formula 1 star Max Verstappen, offering to let the Dutch driver experience the thrill of a World Rally Car. The gesture from the rally legend could spark intriguing future possibilities in motorsport.

Formula 1 and WRC often exist in parallel universes, but a recent social media exchange between Sébastien Ogier and Max Verstappen blurred those lines. Following a shared moment at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, where Verstappen showcased his versatility in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, a lighthearted conversation opened the door to a potential rally collaboration. The exchange began with Ogier congratulating Verstappen on his Nürburgring performance. The seasoned WRC driver then playfully suggested rally as a logical next step for the Red Bull star, echoing his father Jos’s multi-discipline career. Verstappen’s mischievous reply, “With you as my teacher?” immediately set social media ablaze.

A Spicy Social Media Exchange

This virtual flirtation between two titans of their respective sports is noteworthy. Max Verstappen has consistently expressed deep respect for rally, a demanding discipline requiring exceptional technical skill and mental fortitude. Last year, he even had a chance behind the wheel of one of Ogier’s Ford Fiesta WRCs, though it was for a promotional event on a circuit, far removed from the treacherous, winding stages that define the World Rally Championship.

Despite this evident fascination, the four-time Formula 1 champion has recently voiced reservations about a future competitive rally career. In an interview on the “Up To Speed” podcast, Verstappen clearly stated his concerns: “I find it really cool, but I just think about what would happen if I made a mistake and hit a tree. The tree won’t move. For me, that’s where my limit is. It’s something I don’t want to do. The risk is simply too high.”

WRC Legend Ogier Offers Max Verstappen a World Rally Car Test Drive

Sébastien Ogier, ready to share his expertise.

Ogier: “I’d be delighted to host him”

Ogier’s offer remains sincere. When asked by Motorsport.com about the exchange, the Toyota driver confirmed the genuine nature of his invitation. “It was a kind of joke on social media, but it’s obvious he likes new experiences,” he said. He pointed out that Verstappen’s previous circuit test wasn’t ideal for a WRC car, and a true immersion into rally requires suitable terrain. Ogier’s proposition is clear: if Max Verstappen genuinely wants to discover what a World Rally Car is like under optimal conditions, the French driver would be thrilled to arrange a test. “My answer was sincere: I told him that if he wanted to participate in a test, I would be delighted to host him,” Ogier insisted. This offer might just make the Red Bull driver, always eager for new challenges and pushing his limits, reconsider.

For now, Ogier has other priorities. Focused on the Rally of Japan, the final round of the World Championship, he aims for a victory to cap off his season. After a costly puncture in the penultimate stage cost him a win in Portugal, the Frenchman approaches this event with renewed determination. His victory during the WRC’s last visit to Japan in November and his dominance during Thursday’s shakedown confirm his ambitions.