Reigning world champion Thierry Neuville has admitted that "nobody knows" how to solve Hyundai's current performance crisis in the World Rally Championship (WRC). After a difficult round in the Canary Islands, Hyundai remains winless in 2025, with the gap to Toyota widening.
Reigning world champion Thierry Neuville has made a frank admission about Hyundai’s struggles in the 2025 WRC season: “Nobody knows” how to fix the team’s performance issues. Speaking after a challenging round in the Canary Islands, where Hyundai failed to secure a win and fell further behind Toyota, Neuville expressed deep frustration.
Why is Hyundai struggling in WRC this season?
Hyundai has yet to win a single rally in 2025. The Canary Islands round highlighted a significant performance gap compared to Toyota. Hyundai’s closest attempt at victory came on asphalt, but the team remains far from genuine contention.
Is the problem technical or managerial?
Neuville did not point to a single cause, describing the issue as complex and multi-faceted. The team is analyzing data, but solutions have not emerged. “We are trying everything, but the results aren’t coming,” he added.
How big is the performance gap to Toyota?
In the Canary Islands, Toyota cars were clearly faster on special stages. The time difference between the fastest Hyundai driver and the fastest Toyota driver exceeded 10 seconds on some stages, underscoring the severity of the situation.
When can Hyundai expect improvement?
Neuville believes a solution may take time, especially as the team works on developing the current car. However, he warned that radical changes might not be possible mid-season due to regulatory constraints.
What do rally experts say about Hyundai’s crisis?
Analysts note that Hyundai lacks balanced performance across different surfaces, while Toyota has shown superiority on both asphalt and gravel. Additionally, Toyota’s team stability under Kalle Rovanperä gives them a psychological edge.
Is there hope for the second half of the season?
Neuville confirmed the team will not give up and will continue working hard. But he said: “If the situation remains as it is, it will be difficult to fight for the title.” Hyundai needs a technical miracle to close the gap.
Conclusion: An uncertain future for Hyundai
Neuville’s comments reflect a bitter reality for the Korean team. With mid-season approaching, Hyundai needs quick answers or it will lose any chance of competing for the championship against Toyota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn't Hyundai won any WRC rally this season?
Hyundai is struggling with car performance on various surfaces, especially compared to Toyota. The team is analyzing the problem but solutions have not yet emerged, according to world champion Thierry Neuville.
How big is the gap between Hyundai and Toyota in the 2025 WRC?
The gap is significant, with time differences exceeding 10 seconds on some stages of the Canary Islands round. Toyota outperforms Hyundai on both asphalt and gravel, making competition difficult.
Can Hyundai improve its performance during the current season?
Neuville believes improvements may take time due to regulatory constraints. The team is working on car development, but radical changes may not be possible mid-season.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Thierry Neuville: “Nobody knows” answer to Hyundai’s WRC struggles
