Neuville has been representing the Korean brand since 2014. However, next year might be his last with Hyundai.
The Korean manufacturer may leave the WRC after next year, at least as a factory team. According to rumours, from 2026 onwards, Hyundai’s operations at the highest level of the sport will be run by a private team.
Belgian driver Neuville is very close to securing his first WRC title, with a commanding 34-point lead over teammate Ott Tänak, with only three events remaining. Neuville admits that his long career is starting to take its toll.
“It’s no doubt that sometimes through my head I was doubting as well of whatever I should do a part season just trying to relax a bit more and also give up in the fight with the promoter and the FIA. But somehow What should I do at home all the time?” Neuville reflected during the Acropolis Rally in Greece.
What does Neuville mean by fighting with the WRC Promoter and the International Automobile Federation (FIA)? According to the Belgian, the sport’s decline is a clear issue. In fact, it’s so clear that Neuville didn’t even consider other options, choosing to stay in the familiar and secure environment of Hyundai.
“It (new contract) only reflects the current status of the championship. Where should I go? So again, it reflects totally the situation of the championship. There are no manufacturers to talk with. So no possible switches,” Neuville bluntly stated.
“There’s very few opportunities to make a contract for longer than a year. We all heard rumours about Hyundai possibly get to a private team to run the the championship.”
Neuville fears that the WRC is at the bottom of the FIA’s priority list, behind Formula 1, the WEC endurance series, and many others.
“When we have seen the last time the FIA president (Mohammed Ben Sulayem) on a rally? I think it was here last year. If I am not, wrong. So it’s one year ago. That shows how much they care about us,” Neuville criticised.
