After Rally Japan, Pajari announced that his partnership with co-driver Enni Mälkönen would not continue in the 2025 season. The decision sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many questioning the move. While some have defended Pajari’s choice, a significant number of people have expressed genuine surprise and confusion.
The duo had competed together since 2022. On Wednesday, Pajari addressed the controversy via his social media channels, providing further insight into the decision.
“My announcement that I will not continue my collaboration with Enni has sparked a lot of discussion and speculation. If I’m honest, the communication and timing of this matter could have been handled better,” Pajari wrote on social media.
“I should have been clearer in explaining the reasons behind my decision and also that this decision had already been discussed between us earlier, so it did not come as a surprise at the end of the last rally. I only shared my decision on Sunday because we had wanted to focus on our final rally together. These kinds of decisions are never easy.”
Many have speculated that Pajari’s decision stems from a desire to have a co-driver with prior experience at the highest level of the sport. Pajari’s statement on Wednesday hints at this, although it remains somewhat cryptic.
“While our collaboration has been very successful, there have also been difficult moments just like in any relationship, and as young competitors in this sport we have both been still finding our way. As a driver I need to make sure I have the best possible partnership that I can in the car, and I am truly sorry that we couldn’t find a resolution to continue,” Pajari said.
“I want to emphasize that I am very proud of and grateful for our shared achievements. I hope you can understand that we both want to look to the future now and refrain from further comment.”
Mälkönen also shared Pajari’s statement on her Instagram page, adding a brief caption.
“Below is Sami’s perspective on his decision. Let’s all focus on the future and celebrate the Championship because no one can take that away from us.”
Pajari has not yet announced who his co-driver will be next season. Toyota confirmed on Monday that the driver from Lahti will compete in a full WRC season with a Rally1 car next year.
