Thierry Neuville Speaks Out After Safari Rally Kenya: ‘Hyundai Is Falling Behind’ as the Team Lacks Progress in the 2025 WRC Season

The 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season has been a turbulent ride for Hyundai Motorsport, and their struggles became even more apparent after the grueling Safari Rally Kenya. Belgian driver Thierry Neuville did not hold back in his post-race comments, expressing frustration over Hyundai’s inability to keep pace with its rivals. With Toyota and M-Sport Ford making significant strides in performance and reliability, Hyundai’s stagnation has put them at a disadvantage in the WRC title race. Neuville’s remarks highlight the growing concerns within the team as they fight to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of rally racing.

Hyundai’s Lack of Development Hurting Their 2025 WRC Title Hopes

The 2025 WRC season started with high expectations for Hyundai, as they aimed to challenge Toyota Gazoo Racing’s dominance. However, as the season progresses, it has become evident that Hyundai’s development has not kept up with the competition. Neuville’s frustrations stem from persistent issues with the Hyundai i20 N Rally1, which has struggled to match the consistency and pace of Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally1 and Ford’s Puma Rally1.

“We are simply not making enough progress,” Neuville stated after finishing the Safari Rally Kenya in a disappointing position. “Toyota and Ford are bringing updates and improving their cars, while we are still dealing with the same problems from last season.”

Hyundai’s lack of development has been evident in multiple aspects, including aerodynamics, suspension tuning, and hybrid power deployment. While their rivals have managed to refine their vehicles, Hyundai’s struggles with reliability and performance have cost them valuable points.

Thierry Neuville’s Growing Frustration with Hyundai Motorsport

As Hyundai’s lead driver, Thierry Neuville has been vocal about the need for improvements within the team. The Belgian rally star has consistently delivered strong performances, but he has often been let down by mechanical issues or subpar pace compared to the competition. His frustration boiled over after the Safari Rally Kenya, one of the most demanding events on the WRC calendar.

“We have the potential, but we are not utilizing it,” Neuville continued. “I am pushing to the limit every time, but if we don’t have the right tools to fight for wins, it becomes incredibly frustrating.”

This is not the first time Neuville has raised concerns about Hyundai’s development trajectory. Even in the 2024 season, he urged the team to take more aggressive steps in car evolution. However, with minimal progress and continued setbacks, Neuville’s patience appears to be wearing thin.

Adding to the pressure is the emergence of young talents such as Kalle Rovanperä and Adrien Fourmaux, who have shown immense speed and consistency for Toyota and Ford, respectively. If Hyundai fails to address their performance issues, Neuville and his teammates risk falling further behind in the championship standings.

Hyundai’s Future in WRC: What Needs to Change?

With the 2025 WRC season moving toward its midpoint, Hyundai must make urgent changes if they want to remain in the title fight. The team needs to focus on several key areas to improve their competitiveness:

1. Technical Upgrades: Hyundai must accelerate the development of their i20 N Rally1, particularly in areas such as hybrid system efficiency, weight distribution, and overall handling. A more aggressive update package could help bridge the gap to Toyota and Ford.

2. Strategic Team Decisions: The team’s strategy needs a reevaluation, including more effective testing sessions and better utilization of driver feedback. Neuville and his teammates have valuable insights that should be prioritized in the car’s development.

3. Reliability Improvements: Hyundai has suffered multiple retirements due to technical failures. Enhancing durability and minimizing mechanical issues should be a top priority.

4. Stronger Support for Drivers: Ensuring Neuville and other Hyundai drivers receive the necessary backing from engineers and strategists is crucial. Building confidence within the team can lead to better performances on the rally stages.

If Hyundai fails to act swiftly, their chances of winning the 2025 WRC title could slip away. Neuville’s criticisms reflect the urgency needed to turn the season around, and the pressure is now on Hyundai’s management to respond.

Can Hyundai Bounce Back Before It’s Too Late?

Despite their current struggles, Hyundai has the resources and expertise to make a comeback in WRC. However, with each passing rally, the window for improvement is narrowing. Thierry Neuville’s frustrations are not just personal—they reflect the concerns of Hyundai fans and stakeholders who expect the team to be a championship contender.

As the WRC season heads into its next phase, all eyes will be on Hyundai Motorsport to see if they can address their shortcomings and give Neuville the competitive edge he needs. If they fail to do so, the consequences could extend beyond 2025, impacting their long-term position in the championship hierarchy.

Hyundai must act now to prove they belong at the top level of rallying. The question is—will they rise to the challenge, or will they continue to fall behind?