Thierry Neuville is one of the most well-established talents in the World Rally Championship.
The Belgian has competed in the WRC since making his first appearance as a privateer in 2009, before landing a full-time seat with Citroen in 2012.
After spending 2013 with the Qatar World Rally Team, Neuville joined Hyundai in 2014 and has been with the Korean manufacturer ever since.
The 36-year-old has enjoyed great success in the WRC, winning 20 rallies, grabbing 67 podiums and 402 stage wins.
Despite this, Neuville has never won a championship, finishing runner-up five times and third three times. As the 2024 season nears its end, the Belgian is hoping to finally get to the top.
Thierry Neuville could head into a management role come 2026
However, Neuville may not have long left behind the wheel of the i20 N Rally1, as Hyundai plan for the Belgian’s future with the team.
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It comes after reports that the Korean manufacturer’s future in the WRC is uncertain and that it could walk away from the sport completely at the end of next year. Hyundai would still operate in the WRC, but they could be run by a private team come the end of the 2025 season.
Furthermore, Neuville could step away from the cockpit and head into a more management-based role come 2026, with one rumour suggesting that the Belgian could become a team owner.
Asked by DirtFish if Hyundai being run by a private team was a possibly, team principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “If it fits our strategy. The first thing we need to do is to define our strategy. If it fits our strategy, then [for] the execution, the operating model, we will be open-minded.”
Thierry Neuville is eyeing his first WRC title
The WRC returns with the Acropolis Rally Greece, as Neuville looks to hold on to his lead in the championship.
The Belgian has a 27-point advantage over Sebastien Ogier, with Hyundai teammate Ott Tanak sat in third, four points behind the Toyota.
Ogier is set to compete at Acropolis Rally Greece, as well as the final three rounds of the season that follow. With the 2024 title in sight, Ogier is eyeing his record-equalling ninth championship.
Having lost to the Frenchman on four occasions, Neuville will be desperate to break his streak and grab his first WRC title.