Max Verstappen delivers 'high risk' verdict after motorsport legend invitation

Max Verstappen has been offered the chance for a full-blown rally test from WRC great Sebastien Ogier.

Ogier, the nine-time WRC champion, was recently competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours, as Verstappen also sampled the twice-around-the-clock German endurance classic for the first time. 

Verstappen's car was leading with just three hours to go before a driveshaft failure ended his race. Afterwards, Ogier extended an invitation to the four-time F1 champion for a full-blown rally test, with Verstappen having already sampled Ogier's Ford Focus in January, but not on a rally stage.

For now, it is something Verstappen appears not to have any interest in doing. 

"Great to feel the atmosphere at the Nurburgring 24 Hours, congrats to Maro Engel for the win and to Max for showcasing one more time what an amazing driver he is - in any car," Ogier wrote.

"What's next, Max Verstappen? Maybe rally like your father?"

Adding to the message, Ogier has now welcomed Verstappen for a test, if he wants.

"It was obviously a bit of a joke on social media, but he clearly likes new experiences," Ogier told Motorsport.com. 

"He already drove my old Fiesta last year, but that was on a circuit. I told him that he should actually try it at a real rally venue, because a circuit is not an ideal place for such a car.

"I'm sure someone like him could get interested in it at some point. So why not? My message was sincere: if he ever wants to do a test, I will be happy to receive him."

However, Verstappen has appeared to rule out a true rally experience, due to the "high risks" involved. 

"I think it’s really cool," he told the Up to Speed podcast.

"But I just think about if I make a mistake and I hit that tree, the tree is not moving, and that for me is my limit.

“That, for me, is something that I don’t want to do. It’s too high a risk.

"I know that sounds maybe a bit silly, but in Formula 1 at least most of the time when you crash, there is a barrier, a properly designed barrier that should absorb the impact a bit more.

"It’s a bit different, in my head at least, and it’s just a risk that I’m not willing to take.

"But it is really cool to see. The Monaco rally, it’s unbelievable what these guys do."