Last year, Lappi competed as a part-time driver for Hyundai’s WRC team, taking part in five events. He celebrated his second career WRC victory in Sweden but experienced mixed results in the other rallies.
During the season, Lappi expressed his desire to continue as a part-time driver in 2025. However, he made it clear he wasn’t interested in returning as a full-season competitor.
Hyundai has already confirmed three full-season drivers for this year: reigning world champion Thierry Neuville, Estonian star Ott Tänak, and Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux, who had a sensational season in M-Sport’s Ford Puma last year.
However, Hyundai has left the door open to running a fourth car in selected events. Even Neuville has noted that a fourth car would be beneficial for the team.
“A fourth guy can be very helpful, especially with Toyota having five in some events,” Neuville told DirtFish.
Until now, Lappi was considered a strong candidate for Hyundai’s fourth car. However, at an AKK press event on Wednesday, the Finnish driver revealed that negotiations with Hyundai have stalled.
Lappi admitted there’s only a “small chance” his WRC career will continue, and he hasn’t heard anything from Hyundai since Christmas.
“I don’t feel like I’ll hear anything from them anymore. Of course, it would have been nice to get an answer – whether it was yes or no,” Lappi said.
Lappi suggested that negotiations are unlikely to resume. Instead, he is already considering other motorsport options, including circuit racing, and hasn’t ruled out a return to the Finnish Rally Championship.
But what if…?
Lappi’s comments sounded grim for his WRC career. However, it’s worth noting that even he didn’t confirm with certainty that his top-level rallying days are over.
Could Hyundai still have a trick up its sleeve for the Finn?
It’s not entirely impossible. If Hyundai decides to field a fourth car for the season’s second round in Sweden, the team wouldn’t need to reveal its plans just yet. As last year’s Rally Sweden winner, Lappi would be the ideal choice for the event.
As Neuville mentioned, Hyundai desperately needs a fourth car to strengthen its position in the manufacturers’ championship. Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä is returning as a full-season driver, and the team also has part-time support from eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier.
While Hyundai’s trio is strong, on paper, it falls short of Toyota’s formidable line-up.
