Is Thierry Neuville worthy of leading Hyundai. The answer will surprise you.
Since Hyundai Motorsport entered the World Rally Championship (WRC) as a serious contender, one name has consistently been at the forefront of their success—Thierry Neuville. As the team’s long-time lead driver, Neuville has delivered spectacular performances, near-title finishes, and crucial victories. But as the competition in WRC intensifies and younger talents rise, the question arises: Is Thierry Neuville still the right leader for Hyundai? The answer may surprise you.
Thierry Neuville: The Face of Hyundai’s WRC Program
For nearly a decade, Thierry Neuville has been the driving force behind Hyundai’s WRC ambitions. Since joining the team in 2014, he has played a crucial role in transforming Hyundai Motorsport into a title-contending powerhouse.
Neuville’s Key Achievements with Hyundai
- Five-time WRC runner-up (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- Multiple rally victories across different surfaces
- Helped Hyundai secure WRC manufacturers’ championships
- Proven ability to challenge Toyota and M-Sport Ford
Neuville’s consistency and experience have kept Hyundai in the mix against Toyota Gazoo Racing and M-Sport Ford. However, despite his undeniable talent, the Belgian driver has yet to secure the WRC drivers’ title, leading some to question whether Hyundai should look for a new leader.
Is Neuville Holding Hyundai Back from Greater Success?
While Thierry Neuville has delivered impressive performances, his inability to clinch a WRC championship raises doubts about his leadership role. Hyundai has provided him with competitive machinery, yet the title has remained elusive.
Key Concerns About Neuville’s Leadership
- Missed Opportunities: Despite being in contention for multiple seasons, he has often fallen short when it matters most.
- Inconsistencies Under Pressure: Neuville has delivered stunning victories but has also suffered crucial mistakes in high-pressure situations.
- Rise of Young Talents: With younger drivers like Kalle Rovanperä and Oliver Solberg emerging, should Hyundai invest in fresh talent?
Some critics argue that Hyundai needs a more dominant driver—someone who can deliver a championship, not just podiums. Others believe Neuville remains the best option due to his vast experience with the team and ability to extract performance from Hyundai’s rally cars.
Why Neuville Is Still the Best Choice for Hyundai
Despite the criticism, Thierry Neuville remains Hyundai’s strongest asset in WRC. His deep understanding of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car, strategic mindset, and rallycraft make him irreplaceable at this stage.
Reasons Neuville Should Continue Leading Hyundai
- Proven Consistency: Neuville is one of the most consistent performers in WRC, regularly finishing on the podium.
- Experience Matters His years of working with Hyundai’s engineers give him an edge over younger drivers.
- Still Competitive: Despite the rise of new talents, Neuville still competes at the highest level and remains Hyundai’s best bet for a title challenge.
Many believe that Neuville’s leadership will be crucial for Hyundai, especially as they continue to develop their Rally1 hybrid car to compete against Toyota and Ford.
What’s Next for Neuville and Hyundai?
As WRC 2025 approaches, Hyundai faces a critical decision. Should they continue relying on Neuville as their lead driver, or is it time to give younger talents a chance?
Possible Scenarios for Hyundai’s Future
- Keep Neuville as the No. 1 driver and support him with a strong second driver like Ott Tänak or Esapekka Lappi.
- Bring in a younger talent to push Neuville and create a long-term championship plan.
- Make a drastic change by replacing Neuville entirely and starting fresh.
For now, Thierry Neuville remains Hyundai’s best option. His mix of experience, skill, and hunger for a WRC title still makes him the most worthy leader for the team. However, time is running out. If Neuville doesn’t secure a championship soon, Hyundai may have no choice but to look for a new rally superstar.
Final Verdict: Is Neuville Worthy of Leading Hyundai?
Yes—but with a time limit. If he doesn’t deliver a WRC title soon, Hyundai may be forced to make a tough decision.
