Mäkinen has been inducted as a new member of Finland’s Sports Hall of Fame. He joins fellow rally legends Juha Kankkunen and Timo Mäkinen, who were previously inducted into the prestigious hall.
During his driving career, Mäkinen secured four consecutive world championships from 1996 to 1999. He retired at the end of the 2003 season and went on to establish his own rally business.
In 2015, Mäkinen was appointed to lead Toyota’s new WRC project, overseeing the Japanese manufacturer’s return to the World Rally Championship in 2017.
Under Mäkinen’s leadership, Toyota clinched the manufacturers’ championship in 2018. This achievement made history, as Mäkinen became the first person to win a WRC world title both as a driver and as a team principal.
Toyota purchased Mäkinen’s team after the 2020 season, and he transitioned to an advisory role. However, he has since taken a step back from his involvement in the sport.
Alongside Mäkinen, other inductees into Finland’s Sports Hall of Fame include golfer Mikko Ilonen, orienteer Minna Kauppi, wheelchair racer Leo-Pekka Tähti, and the late athletics coach Rolf Haikkola, who passed away last year.
Mäkinen and the other honoured athletes will receive their Uno trophies at the Finnish Sports Gala on Thursday, 16 January.
