The 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season is only one round old, but the shockwaves from Monte Carlo are still reverberating through the paddock. The early favorite? Thierry Neuville had already predicted four or five drivers capable of taking the crown. But after the season opener, one name is suddenly impossible to ignore—Adrien Fourmaux.
Is this just Monte magic or the start of something much bigger?
Monte Carlo 2025: The Statement Performance
Fourmaux didn’t just deliver a solid drive at the Rallye Monte Carlo—he threw himself into the title conversation.
- Highest-placed Hyundai finisher
- Decisive tire strategy
- Aggressive yet calculated approach
What stood out the most was his confidence under pressure. While some of his more experienced teammates floundered, Fourmaux took bold strategic risks—particularly in his Sunday tire choices—that paid off handsomely.
But the man himself is playing it cool.
“Well, I told you before the rally, I’m there to fight for the championship, at least for the podium of the championship,” Fourmaux said. “It’s a good start for that.”
Still, deep down, you have to believe he’s aiming higher.
What the Champions Think
It’s not just Fourmaux’s performance that has tongues wagging—it’s the reaction from his world champion teammates.
🏆 Thierry Neuville: “He did a good job. And yeah, it’s good for the team… It’s still very early, so let’s see how things shape up over the next rounds.”
🏆 Ott Tänak: “At the moment, everyone is in contention for the championship… But Adrien did very well.”
Tänak also pointed out that Fourmaux had extra preparation with smaller rally events before Monte Carlo, something his teammates did not. However, he acknowledged that Fourmaux’s tactical calls were spot on, particularly his ability to read the road and conditions better than most.
A Headache for Hyundai Boss Cyril Abiteboul?
Hyundai did not expect their newest recruit to be the star performer in Monte Carlo. But team principal Cyril Abiteboul was full of praise.
- “Did I believe he could podium? Yes. First Monte Carlo? Maybe not.”
- “You can see that you have, very surely, future world champion material in Adrien.”
That last statement is particularly telling. Hyundai signed Fourmaux as a strong backup to Neuville and Tänak, but if he keeps up this pace, does the team start treating him as a serious title contender?
Will Fourmaux Be Allowed to Win?
Now, here’s the real question. Even if Fourmaux proves he can fight for the title, will he be given the opportunity to do so?
Abiteboul laid it out bluntly:
💬 “We will be looking at what is best from a team perspective. Our mission is to win the manufacturers’ championship.”
Translation: Hyundai’s top priority isn’t making Fourmaux champion—it’s securing the team title. That means if it comes down to team orders, Fourmaux could be asked to step aside for Neuville or Tänak later in the season.
What’s Next? Sweden Will Be the Real Test
Monte Carlo was one thing—but Rally Sweden will show us if Fourmaux is truly a championship contender. If he delivers another top-tier performance, the hierarchy within Hyundai could shift dramatically.
Neuville predicted four to five drivers in the title fight. Did he accidentally predict his own biggest challenger?
🚨 Is Adrien Fourmaux the WRC’s surprise title threat for 2025? The next few rounds will tell us everything. 🚨