Ott Tanak Shocks the Rally World: A Bold Exit from the WRC!
In a stunning turn of events, Ott Tanak, the formidable 2019 World Rally Champion, has revealed his shocking decision to take a hiatus from the World Rally Championship (WRC). This announcement came just hours after he secured a fourth-place finish at Rally Japan, a performance that many thought would propel him into the next season with Hyundai. However, Tanak has declared that Rally Saudi Arabia will mark his final competitive appearance for the foreseeable future, leaving fans and competitors alike in disbelief.
In an emotional yet candid statement, Tanak expressed his feelings of relief regarding his decision, saying, “It is quite a relief to be honest.” This revelation highlights the pressure and frustration he has faced throughout the season, struggling to keep pace with his Toyota rivals. Despite this turmoil, he managed to clinch victory in Greece, making him the sole non-Toyota driver to win a WRC round in 2025.
When pressed about his emotions related to stepping away from the sport, Tanak remained stoic, stating, “I have no emotion.” This sense of detachment may stem from his desire to prioritize family time, a critical factor in his choice to step away from the high-octane world of rallying for the time being. “Not in the next half a year, for sure,” he added when asked if he would miss the WRC.
Tanak’s departure is sending shockwaves through the rally community, with fellow drivers expressing their admiration and sadness at losing such a prominent figure in the sport. Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta affectionately referred to Tanak as his “bigger brother,” a testament to the strong bonds formed within the WRC paddock. “It is always nice [to read the messages] obviously,” Tanak responded, reflecting on the camaraderie that exists among drivers who often spend more time together than with their families.
While this may feel like a farewell, Tanak has assured fans that it isn’t a complete goodbye. “This isn’t a complete goodbye,” he affirmed, leaving the door open for potential future engagements in rallying. His plans for 2026 remain fluid, with no definitive direction yet. “I didn’t want to retire like Sebastien [Ogier] did [in 2021] and do a big show and then come back next year,” he explained, emphasizing his desire for a more thoughtful approach to his career trajectory.
Tanak’s decision has left a significant gap in the Hyundai line-up for 2026, prompting the team to explore potential replacements. Hyundai’s sporting director, Andrew Wheatley, confirmed that discussions are ongoing, indicating that the team is prioritizing experience for the upcoming season. “Replacing Ott is not easy,” Wheatley stated, underscoring the challenge of filling the shoes of a driver of Tanak’s caliber. “We have to look at what we need to get the maximum number of points for next year, and that is the target.”
As the dust settles on this monumental decision, the rallying world braces for the ripple effects of Tanak’s departure. Will he return to the sport that has defined his career, or is this truly the dawn of a new chapter for the rally legend? Only time will tell, but for now, Ott Tanak’s exit marks a significant turning point in the WRC landscape, one that fans and competitors will not soon forget.









