The New Zealander last competed in the main class of the WRC at the 2018 round in Australia. Hyundai confirmed last week that Paddon will return to the team and to the championship next season. He will share the driving duties in Hyundai’s third car with Esapekka Lappi and Dani Sordo.
Paddon, 38, was undeniably the biggest surprise in Hyundai’s line-up, even though he has remained loyal to the South Korean manufacturer. In recent seasons, he has celebrated titles with Hyundai’s Rally2 car in the European Championship, in New Zealand and, this year, also in Australia.
The New Zealander, who has one WRC rally win to his name, has always spoken openly about his desire to return to the highest level of the sport. Now the opportunity has opened up for him, as Hyundai needed replacements after Ott Tänak’s departure from the team.
Paddon told RallyJournal.com that he did not expect to be chosen. His life changed in an instant when Hyundai delivered the good news by phone.
“I was very surprised. But it was a good surprise,” Paddon smiled.
After that phone call, Paddon’s plans were completely reshaped. Last weekend he was already competing in France at the Rallye National Hivernal du Dévoluy in Hyundai’s Rally2 car, giving himself a chance to warm up ahead of the 2026 season opener at Rally Monte Carlo.
“It’s happened all very quickly too, like maybe one week. And then even coming to this rally (Rallye National Hivernal du Dévoluy) was literally three days before booking the flight. So, I haven’t really had a lot of time to think about it, but for sure, it’s a big opportunity,” he said.
Paddon did not need to think for a second when Hyundai asked whether he would be willing to contest a part-time season as a factory driver in the main category of the WRC.
“For me, this is my life, rally is my life. And when you have the opportunity to drive a Rally1 car… I’m realistic, I’m not here to win rallies anymore. That’s not my job. My job is to try and play the team game,” Paddon said.
“I believe we have a lot of experience and we can be consistent. I try to be smart and maybe help with car development. But yeah, it’s exciting but nervous too,” he admitted.
Paddon had not completely abandoned his dream of returning to the WRC, but 2026 was not what he initially had in mind. After next season, the technical regulations of the World Rally Championship will be renewed, and from 2027 onwards the titles will be fought with new-generation cars.
“I was more thinking towards initially 2027 with the new regulations. That’s what I was thinking and trying to be involved with this, but for sure the opportunity to drive a Rally1 car – it’s the last year of the Rally1 – it’s a dream come true. And we get to enjoy this amazing car before the regulations change,” he said.
Hyundai has already confirmed that Paddon will drive its third Rally1 car at the season-opening Rally Monte Carlo. Esapekka Lappi will take over for the second round in Sweden.
Among Hyundai’s drivers, Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux will contest every WRC round next season.
