Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, is open about his affection for rally cars but has made it clear that he has no intention of competing in rally racing. Despite his evident enthusiasm for the sport, the 28-year-old Dutch driver regards rallying as an exciting challenge he prefers to enjoy without the risks involved in actual competition. This cautious stance comes as Verstappen nears what many believe will be the later stages of his Formula 1 career, a transition he has referenced on several occasions.
Interest Grows Amid New Formula 1 Regulations
Verstappen has expressed strong opinions against Formula 1’s upcoming technical regulations for 2026, calling them “like Formula E on steroids.” These changes have sparked speculation that Verstappen may seek alternative motorsport avenues soon. Among these potential paths, endurance and GT racing are natural fits given his skill set, but rallying has also captured his attention—largely through his father, Jos Verstappen, who has been active in rally racing since 2022.
The Influence of Jos Verstappen’s Rally Career
Jos Verstappen’s entry into the rally scene has significantly heightened Max’s appreciation for the sport. Jos secured the Belgian Rally Championship last year driving a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, demonstrating that rallying runs in the family. During a photo shoot with Red Bull, Max selected an ex-Sébastien Ogier Fiesta WRC as his favorite among various Ford vehicles, highlighting his genuine interest in rally machinery.
Why Max Verstappen Avoids Rally Competition
On the “Up To Speed” podcast, Verstappen talked about his experiences driving rally cars in private settings, often racing alongside his father. He said,
“When we rent a little space on an airport, they set out a track and we [my dad and I] drive together, honestly I have to go flat out to beat him on a lap. And that I like doing,”
Max shared.
Still, he emphasized his reluctance to race on a proper rally stage due to the inherent dangers:
“But on a proper stage… I mean he shares me all the videos he’s doing in whatever kind of rally car he’s driving, I find it impressive, I think it’s really cool. But I just think about if I make a mistake and I hit that tree, the tree is not moving. That for me is like my limit, that’s something I don’t want to do. It’s too high of a risk and I know it sounds maybe a bit silly, but in Formula 1 most of the time when you crash there is a properly-designed barrier that should absorb the impact a bit more.”
He continued,
“It’s just a bit different in my head at least, and it’s just a risk I’m not willing to take. But it is really cool to see, like the Monaco [Monte Carlo] Rally in WRC, it’s unbelievable what these guys do.”
Respect for His Father’s Rallying Achievements
Max holds great admiration for Jos Verstappen’s accomplishments on rally stages, recognizing his father’s dedication and competitive spirit. He noted the impressive nature of Jos competing successfully against much younger drivers in their late 20s and early 30s. Max explained how experience and muscle memory play strong roles in rally performance, and Jos has clearly honed these skills over time.
He remarked,
“He loves it, he’s such a fan of the rallying as well. He’s spending a lot of time on it, to optimize everything in the car.”
Upcoming Events for Both Verstappens
This weekend, Jos Verstappen will begin his title defense in the Belgian Rally Championship, piloting a Citroën C3 Rally2 at the Rally van Haspengouw. Meanwhile, Max is preparing to start the 12th season of his Formula 1 career with Red Bull Racing just one week later. The divergent paths of the Verstappen family underline both their shared passion for motorsport and their individual approaches to racing challenges.
Implications for Verstappen’s Motorsport Future
Max Verstappen’s fondness for rally cars coupled with his reluctance to race them competitively reveals a cautious mindset shaped by his experience in high-stakes motorsport. His concerns about the risks in rallying highlight the sharp contrast between disciplines, even as he respects those who race in less controlled environments. As Verstappen edges closer to the latter stages of his Formula 1 career, his views on rallying suggest that while the sport remains a personal interest, his professional next steps may focus on safer, more familiar motorsport formats.
