Hyundai’s 2024 World Rally Championship campaign ended in heartbreak as Toyota clinched the manufacturers’ title in the season finale in Japan. While Ott Tänak’s costly crash on the final day stole headlines, Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul was quick to emphasize that a championship isn’t decided by one incident. And he’s right. Hyundai’s 2024 season was a story of missed opportunities, strategic missteps, and, arguably, a failure to fully leverage their secret weapon: Dani Sordo.
Sordo: The Forgotten Linchpin
Dani Sordo, the veteran who helped Hyundai secure manufacturers’ titles in 2019 and 2020, was conspicuously underutilized in 2024. Contesting only three events out of 13, Sordo contributed crucial points whenever called upon but was never afforded enough opportunities to make a real difference.
The Spaniard’s ability to act as a reliable safety net was evident. In Portugal, Sardinia, and Greece, he delivered when it mattered most, stepping in when lead drivers Neuville or Tänak faltered. Yet, Hyundai’s decision to limit his appearances raised questions. Could more seat time for Sordo have tipped the scales in Hyundai’s favor?
The Numbers Tell the Story
Hyundai leaned heavily on Thierry Neuville in 2024, and the Belgian delivered with unmatched consistency. Out of 39 opportunities to score across the season, Neuville contributed 92.3% of the time—by far the highest hit rate among all drivers.
But while Neuville carried the team, the third car—rotated among part-time drivers Sordo, Andreas Mikkelsen, and Esapekka Lappi—failed to provide the consistent backup needed to win a title. Sordo, despite limited appearances, proved his value with strong performances in Sardinia and Greece, while Lappi and Mikkelsen struggled with pace, reliability, and costly errors.
What Went Wrong with Hyundai’s Strategy?
Hyundai’s approach to the third car seemed misaligned with the demands of a tight title fight. Lappi’s performances were erratic, and Mikkelsen was deployed on rallies that didn’t suit his skill set. Meanwhile, Sordo, a proven asset on both gravel and asphalt, was left sidelined for much of the season.
In rallies like Monte Carlo, Croatia, Central Europe, and Japan, Sordo’s presence could have provided the stability and points buffer Hyundai desperately needed. His track record of avoiding unforced errors and delivering under pressure was a glaring omission in critical events where Hyundai needed an insurance policy.
The Case for Sordo’s Expanded Role
Sordo’s track record speaks volumes. In 2019, he scored in eight of nine rallies, including a surprise win in Sardinia. In 2020, his late-season performances were pivotal in securing Hyundai’s second manufacturers’ title. Even as a part-timer in 2021 and 2022, Sordo strung together five consecutive podiums, showcasing his consistency and reliability.
Sordo’s limited 2024 campaign stands in stark contrast to his history of delivering when it matters most. His absence in key rallies this year, particularly those with high attrition rates or unpredictable conditions, may have cost Hyundai the title.
What’s Next for Hyundai and Sordo?
As Hyundai prepares for the 2025 season, they face a critical decision: how to allocate the third car in a way that maximizes their championship chances. Sordo’s future is uncertain, but his contributions to Hyundai’s success cannot be overlooked.
The Spaniard himself has expressed a desire for clarity and a proper send-off, hinting that 2024 may not be his final season. Whether Hyundai gives him another shot or not, Sordo has cemented his legacy as one of the most dependable and underrated drivers in WRC history.
A Missed Opportunity
Hyundai’s 2024 WRC campaign will be remembered as a season of near misses and what-ifs. While Tänak’s crash in Japan was the final nail in the coffin, the real story lies in Hyundai’s inability to fully capitalize on their resources. Dani Sordo, the ultimate team player, was underutilized in a season where his steady hand might have made all the difference.
As the team reflects on what went wrong, one thing is clear: in the high-stakes world of rallying, sometimes the best way to move forward is to lean on the strengths of the past. For Hyundai, that strength was Dani Sordo—a driver they may wish they had called upon more often in 2024.
