This season, Neuville achieved his lifelong dream by claiming his first World Championship title, after previously finishing runner-up in the series five times.
Over the course of his career, Neuville has often been outpaced by the eight-time world champion Ogier. However, this season, the Hyundai star proved unstoppable, despite Ogier resorting to some verbal tactics.
After winning Rally Finland in August, Ogier announced that he would contest the remaining rounds of the season to challenge Neuville for the drivers’ title. In the very next event, Rally Greece, Ogier initiated some psychological warfare.
“We could to prove that the championship leader is not that fast. He was first on the road, and we were second, and we took 45 seconds in four stages. So maybe he should stop crying and learn to drive first on the road,” Ogier remarked during the Acropolis Rally.
Neuville didn’t engage in a war of words with the Toyota driver and refrained from responding to the Frenchman’s comments. Now, with the championship battle over, Neuville has shed some light on Ogier’s actions.
“Every driver has their way of trying to unsettle their rival. I’m not a fan of his style,” Neuville told Belgian broadcaster RTBF.
According to Neuville, verbal jabs can be part of the game, especially when competing against a long-time rival. This season, however, the Belgian remained firmly focused on his own performance.
“I handle things differently, and I believe it’s possible to do so even while being a great sportsman like him (Ogier). That said, it brings great stories and sometimes tensions, and that’s part of it too,” Neuville concluded.
