Nikolay Gryazin is reckoned to be among the favorites to replace Ott Tänak next season
Photography by Hyundai
Words by David Evans, DirtFish Head of Media
Just hours before Ott Tänak confirmed his departure from next year’s World Rally Championship, Hyundai’s sporting director Andrew Wheatley talked DirtFish through possible replacements for the Estonian star.
Nikolay Gryazin, 28, is reckoned to be among the favorites, but Wheatley admitted there were a number of options for the vacant seat alongside Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux.
“We’re looking at everybody,” Wheatley said. “Gryazin is on the list, absolutely. I think he’s not the only one. I think we’ve got two pathways we can take, or we can take a hybrid pathway. The two clear pathways are experience – because, effectively, what we’re looking at is, with Thierry and Adrien, I think we’ve got two drivers now that are able to be consistently on the podium. I think Adrien’s first win is close.
“The other option is youth. Or you mix the two.”
Asked about the experience option, we voiced the names Hayden Paddon, Dani Sordo, Kris Meeke and Andreas Mikkelsen.
Wheatley offered: “There’s all of them. You’ve got to look at what is the option that’s available.
“And… do you think I’m going to tell you who’s on the list? I’ve had a strong coffee, but I’m not going to!”
In terms of a timeline for a decision, Hyundai is expected to communicate its 2026 line-up before the Rally Saudi Arabia finale to this season.
Words:David Evans
Tags: Andrew Wheatley, Hyundai, WRC, WRC 2026
Publish Date November 9, 2025 DirtFish
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