Thierry Neuville boldly calls for Ott Tänak to step aside—but is it because he’s ready to take over, or is he just trying to eliminate the competition before proving his own worth?

The World Rally Championship (WRC) is no stranger to intense rivalries, but the latest controversy surrounding Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak has set the stage for one of the most heated battles in recent years. Neuville’s bold suggestion that Tänak should step aside has raised eyebrows across the motorsport community. Is this a sign that Neuville is finally ready to establish himself as the undisputed leader of Hyundai, or is he simply trying to clear the path for himself without proving he deserves it first?

The History Between Neuville and Tänak

Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak have shared an uneasy alliance at Hyundai Motorsport, with both drivers vying for the top spot within the team. While Neuville has been a consistent force in WRC for years, Tänak’s 2019 WRC Championship title has given him an undeniable edge in credibility. Despite Neuville’s immense talent, his failure to secure a championship has left him in Tänak’s shadow.

Their on-track battles have often been fierce, and while they’ve publicly maintained a professional relationship, tension has always lingered beneath the surface. Neuville’s recent comments have only escalated this ongoing power struggle.

Is Neuville Ready to Take Over?

With Tänak’s future at Hyundai uncertain, Neuville may see an opportunity to position himself as the team’s undisputed leader. His argument could be that Hyundai needs to fully back one driver for a serious title push, and he believes that driver should be him.

Neuville has proven himself to be one of the most consistent performers in WRC, regularly finishing in the top positions. His aggressive yet calculated driving style has made him a formidable competitor, and his experience with Hyundai gives him deep insight into the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

However, critics argue that consistency isn’t enough to claim the throne. Unlike Tänak, who has already secured a world title, Neuville has fallen short multiple times. If he truly wants to lead Hyundai, he must prove it by winning—not by asking his strongest competitor to step aside.

Or Is Neuville Just Trying to Remove His Biggest Obstacle?

There’s another side to this debate that Neuville’s critics have been quick to point out. Rather than proving he is the better driver outright, some believe that Neuville is trying to eliminate the toughest competition before securing his own success.

Tänak remains one of the most dangerous and fearless drivers on the grid. His ability to push the limits of his car and dominate in high-pressure situations makes him a constant threat. If Tänak were to leave Hyundai, Neuville would face far less internal competition, giving him an easier path to the WRC Championship.

Some skeptics see Neuville’s call for Tänak to step aside as a strategic move rather than a reflection of true readiness. After all, if Neuville wants to lead, why not prove it by defeating Tänak on the track rather than through politics?

What’s Next for Hyundai and WRC?

Hyundai now faces a critical decision that could shape the team’s future. Will they back Neuville as their clear number-one driver, or will they continue supporting Tänak, a proven champion with the ability to deliver under pressure?

For Neuville, the only way to silence the doubters is to win decisively. If he truly believes Tänak should step aside, he must make an undeniable case by outperforming him consistently. Otherwise, his bold words may be remembered as an attempt to manipulate the competition rather than a genuine claim to dominance.

One thing is certain—the battle between Neuville and Tänak is far from over. Whether on the track or behind the scenes, their rivalry will continue to define the future of Hyundai Motorsport and the WRC Championship.