Despite a growing interest in other motorsport disciplines since the introduction of the new 2026 rules, Max Verstappen draws a clear line: rallying is not part of his plans.
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The Red Bull driver is nevertheless exploring new horizons, notably in GT on the legendary Nordschleife, but categorically refuses to take the step towards the stages.
This refusal does not prevent a sincere admiration for those who compete in the discipline, starting with his own father, Jos Verstappen.
The paternal example
Involved in rallying since 2022, the latter has established himself as a benchmark, even winning the Belgian championship title in 2025. A performance that deeply impresses his son: despite being 53 years old, he competes — and beats — much younger drivers.
Max Verstappen does not hide his respect: he highlights both the talent and passion of his father, whom he considers extremely difficult to beat, even in more informal conditions. During private sessions on improvised tracks, he admits having to give his all to compete over a lap. A strong recognition, coming from a four-time world champion.
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But this proximity to rallying does not change his position. For him, the inherent risk of the discipline remains too high. Where Formula 1 offers advanced safety infrastructure — barriers, runoff areas, impact absorption technologies —, rallying presents more direct and less predictable dangers. “If I make a mistake and I hit a tree, the tree won’t move,” he summarizes, illustrating a very concrete perception of risk.
A discipline too unpredictable
This reasoning may seem paradoxical for a driver used to operating at the limit in Formula 1 since his debut in 2015, but it reflects a clear distinction in his mind between types of danger. On a circuit, despite the extreme speed, the environment is controlled. In rallying, the unpredictability of conditions and the immediate proximity of obstacles constitute, in his view, a boundary he does not wish to cross.
This does not prevent him from enjoying the spectacle. He notably mentions the Monte Carlo Rally, which he considers impressive, praising the level of commitment and mastery of the discipline’s drivers.
For his part, Verstappen will continue to explore other fields of expression more compatible with his vision of risk. He is notably expected behind the wheel of a Mercedes-AMG GT3 on the Nürburgring in mid-April, before returning to Formula 1 in Miami in early May. A controlled diversification, which allows him to maintain the pleasure of driving while remaining within a framework he deems acceptable.
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