Thierry Neuville was accused of “playing dirty” by continually blaming the replacement vehicle and denouncing the FIA for partiality rather than accepting responsibility for his conduct.

The World Rally Championship (WRC) has been no stranger to controversy, but the latest accusations against Thierry Neuville have sent shockwaves through the motorsport community. The Belgian driver has been accused of “playing dirty” by constantly shifting blame onto his replacement vehicle and openly criticizing the FIA for alleged partiality rather than accepting responsibility for his own mistakes.

As tensions rise, fans and critics alike are questioning whether Neuville’s frustrations are justified or if he is simply using excuses to mask his recent underwhelming performances.

Blaming the Replacement Vehicle: A Convenient Excuse?

Throughout the 2024 WRC season, Thierry Neuville has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with his vehicle, particularly after a string of disappointing results. The Hyundai driver has insisted that the replacement car he has been using is not up to championship standards, frequently highlighting mechanical failures and set-up issues as reasons for his struggles.

“It’s difficult to compete when the car doesn’t respond the way it should,” Neuville stated in a post-race interview. “I’ve been pushing as hard as I can, but there are fundamental issues that need to be addressed.”

While mechanical problems are part of any motorsport competition, some believe that Neuville’s persistent complaints are beginning to sound more like excuses than legitimate concerns. Other WRC drivers have managed to adapt to changes in machinery without resorting to public criticism, raising doubts about whether Neuville is truly facing insurmountable difficulties—or if he is merely looking for someone else to blame.

Denouncing the FIA: A Risky Move?

Beyond blaming the car, Thierry Neuville has also aimed his frustration at the FIA, accusing them of favoritism and unfair treatment. The Belgian driver has implied that certain competitors receive preferential treatment, fueling speculation that the FIA’s rule enforcement and technical regulations may not be applied equally across the grid.

“Some decisions in this championship make no sense,” Neuville recently said. “I just want a level playing field where every driver has the same chances to compete.”

This is not the first time a WRC driver has questioned the FIA’s objectivity, but Neuville’s outspoken nature could have serious consequences. Publicly challenging the sport’s governing body rarely ends well, and his comments may invite penalties or disciplinary action from the FIA.

Is Neuville Avoiding Responsibility for His Own Performance?

With each disappointing race result, the pressure is mounting on Thierry Neuville to deliver victories for Hyundai. While elite drivers are expected to handle setbacks with resilience, Neuville’s tendency to deflect blame has raised questions about his ability to take accountability for his own on-track struggles.

Some critics argue that Neuville’s energy would be better spent on improving his driving and working more closely with his team rather than launching public complaints. With rivals like Kalle Rovanperä and Ott Tänak consistently delivering strong performances, Neuville risks falling further behind if he doesn’t focus on his own racecraft.

What’s Next for Thierry Neuville and Hyundai?

As the WRC season progresses, Thierry Neuville must decide whether to continue his battle against the FIA and Hyundai’s car issues or if he will take a more strategic approach to improving his results. While his talent is undeniable, his recent actions have drawn scrutiny from both fans and experts, leading many to wonder if his reputation is at risk.

If Neuville fails to turn things around, could Hyundai consider replacing him with a more adaptable and team-focused driver? With the WRC title still within reach, Neuville has a choice to make—will he silence his critics with a dominant performance, or will his excuses continue to overshadow his potential?

Only time will tell if Thierry Neuville can regain his winning mindset or if his ongoing accusations will further damage his standing in WRC history.