Adrien Fourmaux is aware losing a world champion is not good news for the team
Photography by Hyundai
Words by Luke Barry
There’s little doubt Ott Tänak’s exit from Hyundai for the 2026 World Rally Championship season will weaken the team.
Not just because Tänak is a world champion and absolutely one of the best drivers currently competing, but because there are no similar options on the market.
Adrien Fourmaux agrees.
Asked by DirtFish, before Tänak’s announcement, if Hyundai needs the Estonian in 2026, Fourmaux acknowledged: “It depends who you will take to replace him.”
When it was pointed out that Tänak is a world champion and there are no others available, Fourmaux smiled: “Then you’ve got your answer. You asked me, but you already know it.”
Fourmaux has not officially been confirmed as a Hyundai driver himself for 2026, but an announcement is expected before Saudi Arabia.
Kalle Rovanperä – who is also stepping away from the WRC next year to pursue a career in circuit racing – was one of the first drivers to react on social media.
Commenting on Tänak’s post, the Finn said: “All the best Ott and thank you for the battles. I’ll come have a drink in Estonia as we both will have a bit more time now.”
Words:Luke Barry
Tags: Adrien Fourmaux, Ott Tanak, WRC, WRC 2026
Publish Date November 9, 2025 DirtFish
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