With his first World Rally Championship title finally in the bag, Thierry Neuville faces a new challenge in 2025: defending his crown against a stacked field of rivals. As he transitions from the role of hunter to hunted, the Belgian champion is determined to prove that his hunger for victory is stronger than ever.
“A Special Moment” for the Champion
After 13 grueling seasons of chasing glory, Neuville broke through in 2024 to claim his long-awaited WRC title. Now, as he prepares to launch his title defense at the Monte Carlo Rally, the 35-year-old is embracing his new status as reigning champion. With the iconic #1 adorning his Hyundai, Neuville admits that the moment will be one for the history books.
“It’s going to be a special moment,” Neuville reflected. “There will be a lot of miniatures, pictures, and memories from this year, which I’m definitely going to keep in my archives and later in my museum.”
But for Neuville, nostalgia takes a backseat to the relentless pursuit of excellence. “If I’m in it, I’m in it to win it,” he emphasized, rejecting any notion that his motivation has waned.
2024: A Season of Grit and Glory
Neuville’s path to the championship was a testament to his trademark tenacity. From dragging his car into service on foot in Croatia to inventive solutions like using Corona beer as engine coolant in Mexico, Neuville’s never-say-die attitude has defined his career. His 2024 campaign showcased this same resilience, as he led the standings wire-to-wire, fending off formidable rivals like Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans.
“It’s nice having that title now and being called a world champion,” Neuville admitted. “It’s something we’ve been working on for a while. But the pressure to deliver and perform will always be there—that’s what pushes me to continuously raise my game.”
The 2025 Landscape: A Tougher Challenge?
The 2025 season promises to be even more competitive, with 14 rounds and a full-time return for Kalle Rovanperä, the 2022 and 2023 champion. Neuville acknowledges the heightened stakes, pointing to Toyota’s expanded lineup with five cars as a major factor.
“We have four to five drivers who can win the championship,” Neuville said. “The cars have changed slightly, the tire manufacturer has changed, and there are new challenges. It’s going to be exciting but definitely challenging.”
Neuville identified his main rivals as Rovanperä, Ott Tänak, Elfyn Evans, and possibly his new Hyundai teammate, Adrien Fourmaux. However, he remains unfazed, reiterating his belief in Hyundai’s capabilities: “We have the tools for a strong season as a team and individually.”
Freedom to Excel?
Now that the pressure of chasing his first title is off, Neuville believes he can approach the 2025 season with a sense of freedom and enjoyment. “The hunger is the same, but maybe we could do it with a bit more pleasure,” he admitted. This balance between drive and joy could unlock a new level of performance for the reigning champion.
The First Battle: Monte Carlo Rally
Neuville begins his title defense at the Monte Carlo Rally, an event he won last year. But with a stronger field of competitors and new challenges, repeating that success won’t be easy. Neuville’s ultimate goal is clear: consistency and resilience across the entire season.
No Point to Prove, Just Points to Gain
Despite the return of Rovanperä, Neuville insists he has nothing to prove. “There’s always been someone to beat—Loeb, Ogier, Grönholm, and now Kalle. It’s actually nice to have him back and more drivers fighting for the big points.”
Can Neuville Go Back-to-Back?
The key question remains: will Neuville’s first title propel him to even greater heights, or will the added pressure of defending his crown weigh him down? For Neuville, the answer lies in his unrelenting focus and the mantra that has defined his career: “Never give up.”
