Ogier and Landais secured the world title in Saudi Arabia after some highly dramatic and tense moments.
For Ogier, celebrating a championship already comes as routine, as the Frenchman claimed the ninth title of his career. But for Landais, this was the first world championship of his career.
“I still don’t believe this has happened,” he said immediately afterwards.
“It will take time to sink in, perhaps a few hours. I feel pretty empty now. It has been a really demanding week, but I am very proud of what we have done this year. It was a perfect season – we couldn’t have done much more,” Landais continued.
Landais, 34, is already a fairly experienced rally co-driver. He joined Ogier for the 2023 season, replacing Julien Ingrassia, who won his first eight titles alongside Ogier. Landais valued his own achievement extremely highly.
“That’s why I remind myself how difficult it was to reach this point. It took me 15 years of hard work and sacrifices. The last three years have also been really tough, because he demanded so much from me,” Landais said, referring to Ogier.
Demanding is, however, always also a sign of caring. Mutual respect has always been there.
“But also because he knew I was capable of this. And he was right. I am really proud of that,” Landais said.
Landais also wanted to thank the whole team, who once again performed excellently this season. Toyota secured the manufacturers’ title well before the end of the season, and in the final round only three Toyota drivers still had a chance of becoming world champion.
“A big thank you as well to my team, because thanks to them I am here now. And yes, my eyes are already on next season.”
