Mikkelsen was brought in this season to alternate in Hyundai’s third car at the top level, but the season has not gone particularly well for the Norwegian.
Hyundai has yet to announce all of its drivers for next season. What is certain, however, is that Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak will continue with the team next year.
The fate of the third car, and a speculated fourth car, is still open. It’s possible Hyundai will stick with the current three-car strategy next year, with the third driver rotating in the car. But it’s also entirely possible that Hyundai’s third car could have one dedicated driver for the entire season. French driver Adrien Fourmaux has been heavily rumoured to be in line for Hyundai’s seat next season.
During the Central European Rally, Andreas Mikkelsen couldn’t yet say anything definitive about his future.
“I have nothing to say at this point. I have no clue about next year,” Mikkelsen told Rallit.fi.
Are you confident about keeping your place in a Rally1 car next season?
“No. Not at all. We’ll see,” Mikkelsen laughed.
Mikkelsen, 35, is an experienced driver. He has won the European Championship and the WRC2 class championship in 2021 and 2023, respectively. Mikkelsen hasn’t made any major plans if his career in the top class of the World Rally Championship ends this season.
“No I haven’t thought too much about that,” Mikkelsen admitted.
The Norwegian also couldn’t say if Hyundai might be his only option for continuing his rally career.
“I haven’t talked to anyone yet, to be honest. My focus is now to do a good job here and in Japan. After that, we’ll see what happens for next year,” Mikkelsen said.
In the Central European Rally, Mikkelsen made a driving error on the first proper racing day, hitting a fence and having to retire. Mikkelsen will be driving Hyundai’s third Rally1 car once again in the season finale in Japan.
