TOP DRAMA, Thierry Neuville accuses the referee of favoring Ogier in Monte Carlo. Discover the mystery of the story.
The 2025 Monte Carlo Rally has been nothing short of thrilling and controversial, but the biggest shock of the event came when Thierry Neuville publicly accused the referees of favoritism toward his longtime rival, Sébastien Ogier. The Belgian rally star did not hold back, stating that certain decisions unfairly benefited Ogier, leaving many fans and analysts questioning the integrity of the competition.
With tensions running high and the championship stakes growing, what really happened behind the scenes? Is there truth to Neuville’s claims, or is this just another chapter in the intense rivalry between these two rally legends?
Thierry Neuville’s Explosive Accusations
Following a heated Monte Carlo rally, Thierry Neuville shocked the motorsport world by openly questioning the fairness of the officiating. In a post-race interview, he made bold statements that instantly sparked controversy.
“It’s always the same story. Whenever Ogier is involved, certain decisions seem to go in his favor. This isn’t just about one race—it’s been happening for years,” Neuville declared.
His words ignited a storm of debate, with fans and journalists diving deep into past events to analyze whether Ogier has indeed received preferential treatment over the years.
What led to the controversy?
The Monte Carlo Rally is known for its unpredictable conditions and strategic battles, but this year’s event saw several questionable calls that raised eyebrows:
Penalty Discrepancies: A time penalty given to Neuville for a minor infraction was significantly harsher than a similar incident involving Ogier, leading to allegations of bias.
Stage Adjustments: Some stage conditions appeared to favor Ogier’s car setup, prompting speculation that decisions were made to help him gain an advantage.
Race Control Decisions: Certain on-stage rulings were made quickly in Ogier’s favor, while Neuville’s requests for clarifications or reviews were allegedly ignored.
For Neuville, these instances were too much to ignore, pushing him to voice his frustrations publicly.
Sébastien Ogier and the FIA Respond
Naturally, Sébastien Ogier was quick to defend himself, dismissing Neuville’s accusations as excuses from a frustrated competitor.
“I’ve won Monte Carlo multiple times because of my skill, my team, and my hard work—not because of favoritism,” Ogier stated. “Thierry is a strong driver, but maybe he should focus on improving his performance instead of looking for conspiracies.”
Meanwhile, FIA officials have denied any wrongdoing, insisting that all decisions were made fairly based on race regulations.
“We understand the frustration that comes with intense competition,” an FIA spokesperson said. “However, we stand by our rulings and ensure that all competitors are treated equally.”
Is There Truth to Neuville’s Claims?
Neuville’s accusations have divided the motorsport community. While some fans believe that Ogier benefits from favoritism, others argue that Neuville is simply looking for an excuse after failing to secure victory.
Regardless of where the truth lies, one thing is certain—this controversy has added more fire to an already fierce rivalry between Thierry Neuville and Sébastien Ogier.
With the WRC season still in its early stages, all eyes will be on the next race to see if Neuville can bounce back or if Ogier will continue to dominate. Either way, the drama surrounding the Monte Carlo Rally has ensured that the 2025 season will be one for the history books.
