Neuville leaves Hyundai Motorsport. Will controversial decision overshadow his 2024 title bid

Thierry Neuville’s decision to leave Hyundai Motorsport has sent shockwaves through the World Rally Championship (WRC) community. After spending over a decade with the South Korean manufacturer and clinching his first-ever WRC title in 2024, Neuville’s sudden departure has left many wondering what led to this monumental decision.

While his 2024 championship win should have cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s greats, the circumstances surrounding his exit from Hyundai threaten to cast a shadow over his long-awaited triumph. Was it Hyundai’s internal politics, Neuville’s personal ambitions, or something more controversial that forced him to walk away? And more importantly, what does the future hold for one of WRC’s most resilient drivers?

In this article, we take an in-depth look at Neuville’s career with Hyundai, his historic 2024 season, and the factors that led to his departure, analyzing whether his bold move will ultimately tarnish his championship-winning legacy.

Thierry Neuville’s Legacy with Hyundai

The Face of Hyundai’s WRC Program

When Hyundai re-entered the WRC in 2014, they needed a superstar driver to lead their campaign. That’s when they signed Thierry Neuville, a young and promising Belgian driver who had already made a name for himself with Ford.

Over the next decade, Neuville became synonymous with Hyundai Motorsport, acting as both their lead driver and biggest championship hope. He led the team to multiple manufacturers’ titles, secured numerous rally victories, and finished as the WRC runner-up five times (2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019).

The Frustration of Being the Nearly Man

Despite his immense talent, Neuville’s career was often defined by missed opportunities. Between 2017 and 2019, he came agonizingly close to securing the WRC title, only to be outclassed by the likes of Sébastien Ogier and Ott Tänak.

Hyundai’s inconsistent performance, mechanical failures, and strategic blunders often left Neuville playing catch-up. Despite his best efforts, the title always seemed just out of reach—until 2024.

2024: The Year Neuville Finally Conquered WRC

A Season of Highs and Lows

From the very start of the 2024 WRC season, Neuville made it clear that he was determined to finally break his curse. His performance throughout the season was nothing short of spectacular, with consistent podium finishes and crucial victories in:

• Rally Portugal: A dominant display of speed and precision.
• Acropolis Rally Greece: A tactical masterclass in extreme conditions.
• Rally Chile: A critical win that put him ahead in the championship race.

Despite fierce competition from Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans, Neuville managed to keep his championship hopes alive until the final round.

The Dramatic Rally Japan Finale

The 2024 WRC season culminated in an unforgettable showdown at Rally Japan. Heading into the final day, Neuville was locked in a tense battle with Ott Tänak, who was also in the title fight.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, Tänak crashed out in the opening stage of the final day, handing Neuville the opportunity to seal the championship. Despite suffering from a suspected turbo issue, Neuville managed to cross the finish line and officially claim his first WRC title.

The victory should have been a moment of pure celebration, but behind the scenes, tensions were rising between Neuville and Hyundai Motorsport—setting the stage for his shocking departure.

Why Did Neuville Leave Hyundai?

1. Internal Conflicts and Team Politics

One of the most discussed factors in Neuville’s exit is the growing tension between him and Hyundai’s management. Throughout the 2024 season, reports surfaced about disagreements over car development, team orders, and strategic decisions.

Hyundai’s inconsistencies in providing a reliable and competitive car had frustrated Neuville for years. Despite being their number one driver, he often felt that Hyundai was not giving him the full support he needed to secure the championship earlier in his career.

There were also rumors that Hyundai was looking to prioritize younger talent, potentially reducing Neuville’s influence within the team.

2. Hyundai’s Uncertain WRC Future

Another major factor behind Neuville’s decision could be Hyundai’s uncertain long-term commitment to WRC.

Reports suggest that Hyundai has not yet made a definitive decision on whether they will continue their WRC program beyond 2026. If Neuville sensed instability within the team, he may have preemptively decided to leave rather than risk being left without a competitive seat in the future.

3. Neuville’s Own Ambitions

At 36 years old, Neuville knows that he doesn’t have many years left at the top level of rally racing. His decision to leave Hyundai could be part of a bigger plan—possibly a move to another manufacturer or even the creation of his own rally team.

Rumors suggest that Neuville might be exploring a partnership with Toyota or M-Sport Ford, both of whom have shown interest in strengthening their WRC lineups.

Will His Exit Overshadow His 2024 Title?

Neuville’s departure from Hyundai has undoubtedly shifted the narrative around his championship win. Instead of solely focusing on his hard-fought victory, fans and analysts are now questioning the true reasons behind his exit.

However, Neuville’s 2024 title was well-deserved. He fought against some of the best drivers in the world, overcame multiple setbacks, and proved that he was capable of winning a championship on merit alone.

While the controversy surrounding his exit may dominate discussions in the short term, his legacy as a WRC champion will stand the test of time.

What’s Next for Neuville?

Possible Moves for 2025 and Beyond

With Hyundai out of the picture, the question now is: Where will Neuville race next?

• Toyota Gazoo Racing—the most dominant team in recent years. A move here could give Neuville a chance to win more titles.
• M-Sport Ford Returning to the team where he started his WRC career could be a sentimental yet strategic move.
• A New Private Team? There have been whispers that Neuville could start his own team, securing full control over his future in the sport.

Regardless of where he goes, Neuville’s hunger for success remains unchanged.

Conclusion

Thierry Neuville’s departure from Hyundai Motorsport marks the end of an era in World Rally Championship history. His 2024 title win should have been his defining moment, but instead, the controversy surrounding his shock exit threatens to steal the spotlight.

While the reasons behind his departure remain speculative, one thing is clear—Neuville is far from finished. Whether he joins another team or starts a new venture, his relentless drive for success ensures that his story in WRC is far from over.

Will his bold decision pay off, or will it become a costly mistake? Only time will tell—but one thing is certain: Thierry Neuville is not done making history.