Neuville lost his peak form. Tanak is set to become the new WRC champion in 2025.
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is seeing a dramatic shift as Thierry Neuville’s form continues to decline. Once considered a top contender, Neuville now struggles to keep up with younger, more aggressive rivals. Meanwhile, Ott Tanak is on the rise and looks set to claim the 2025 WRC championship. With his experience and renewed energy, Tanak is positioning himself as the next big name in rally racing.
What Happened to Neuville?
For several years, Thierry Neuville was among the most consistent performers in WRC, often finishing in the top three. His partnership with Hyundai Motorsport seemed unstoppable, but recent seasons have shown a clear decline. Mechanical failures, strategic mistakes, and stiff competition have affected his results, and fans are beginning to doubt if he can ever regain his best form.
Despite his undeniable talent, Neuville’s performances have lacked the consistency required to win a championship. His inability to capitalize on key opportunities has allowed rivals like Tanak to overtake him in the standings.
Tanak’s Comeback Story
In contrast, Ott Tanak is making a strong comeback. After winning the WRC title in 2019, he faced a few challenging years. However, Tanak’s recent performances suggest he’s ready to reclaim his place at the top of the sport.
Now driving for M-Sport Ford, Tanak has shown impressive form throughout the 2024 season. His ability to handle different terrains and weather conditions makes him one of the most versatile drivers in rally racing. His combination of experience, aggression, and tactical intelligence puts him in a prime position to become the 2025 WRC champion.
Why Tanak Is the Favorite for 2025
Several factors make Ott Tanak the favorite to win the WRC title in 2025.
Experience: Tanak has been through the highs and lows of a championship battle. His past victories and challenges have made him more resilient.
Improved Car: M-Sport Ford has made significant upgrades to their rally car, giving Tanak a reliable and competitive vehicle.
Rival Weaknesses: With Neuville struggling and other competitors still developing, Tanak has a clear opportunity to take the crown.
These elements give Tanak a significant advantage going into the 2025 season.
Can Neuville Bounce Back?
While Neuville’s decline is evident, some fans believe he still has a chance to recover. However, with younger drivers like Kalle Rovanperä rising through the ranks and Tanak returning to form, Neuville’s window of opportunity is closing fast.
The mental pressure of falling short multiple times may also be affecting Neuville’s confidence, making it harder for him to perform at his best. In a sport as competitive as WRC, even the slightest dip in form can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Fans Anticipate a New Champion
The possibility of Ott Tanak winning the 2025 WRC championship has excited fans. Many are eager to see a new era in rally racing, with fresh faces at the top of the leaderboard.
While Sebastien Ogier and Sebastien Loeb dominated for years, the sport is now more competitive, with drivers like Tanak leading the charge. Fans appreciate his aggressive driving style and calm demeanor, making him one of the most respected figures in WRC.
Conclusion
As Thierry Neuville’s form declines, Ott Tanak is seizing the opportunity to become the 2025 WRC champion. With his experience, improved car, and a field of rivals struggling to maintain consistency, Tanak looks well-positioned to claim the title.
Whether Neuville can bounce back remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes are on Tanak as the next big name in rally racing. His potential to change the WRC landscape is undeniable, and fans are eager to see if he can deliver on the promise of becoming a two-time champion.
