After a mixed first season in WRC, Adrien Fourmaux is preparing to take on a new challenge with Hyundai. Armed with his experience, he aims to turn his learnings into tangible results. But then, between promises and expectations, what does the 2026 season hold for us?
A lacklustre 2025 season
By finishing seventh in the WRC championship in 2025, Adrien Fourmaux wrapped up a promising but irregular season for his debut with the Hyundai team. Alongside his co-driver Alexandre Coria, he managed to hold his own, but the road was not always easy.
Outpaced by world champions Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville at the end of this campaign, Fourmaux paid a heavy price for his five rallies finished without a single point. Yet, he had started the season with a solid podium at Monte-Carlo, hinting at interesting potential. The good news is that his end of season was marked by improvement. He even likely came very close to his first Rally1 victory in the last round in Saudi Arabia, where a penalty for an early score compromised his hopes.
Cyril Abiteboul’s expectations
For the upcoming year, his boss Cyril Abiteboul expects the 30-year-old driver to capitalise on his learning experience behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 N. He will be a full-time driver alongside Thierry Neuville, while the third car, vacated by Ott Tänak, will be shared among three drivers: Dani Sordo, Esapekka Lappi, and Hayden Paddon.
“Every driver has faced difficulties,” notes Cyril Abiteboul while reflecting. “Adrien has adapted well and shown great speed, but like everyone, he has also gone through tough moments, some within his control, others not. What matters is how he has learned to manage them.”
“Being able to maintain mental strength and face the situation is what distinguishes those who can win. It’s probably one of the great strengths of someone like Sébastien Ogier. Throughout the season, Adrien displayed a very marked learning curve in mastering his emotions and his ability to emerge victorious from unfavourable circumstances.”
Better preparation in 2026 for Hyundai?
Hyundai approaches 2026 with more serenity. The past year has been tough for all the team’s drivers, with a car lagging behind in the face of Toyota’s dominance. Nevertheless, Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville managed to each win a rally, while the Japanese manufacturer swept everything else at the expense of its South Korean rival.
“I believe we will arrive stronger at Monte-Carlo,” promises Cyril Abiteboul ahead of the much-anticipated event next month. “Compared to last year, we will be better prepared. The organisation is more stable, the management structure is in place, and our base in Fechenheim is fully operational, which removes a major source of distraction. We can focus on extracting performance from the cars and crews.”
“Of course, it always depends on what the competition does. Toyota and its drivers will be strong, especially at Monte-Carlo. What gives me confidence is that we have a much better knowledge and understanding of our package.”
“This year has reminded us that absolute performance is not necessarily the determining factor. It is more important to have a well-mastered and well-understood product, as well as a focused organisation. If we continue to work this way, we will be in a stronger position at the start of next season.”
For fans of motorsport, the 2026 season promises to be thrilling. With high expectations placed on Adrien Fourmaux and a Hyundai team determined to bounce back, all the ingredients are in place to write a new chapter in the history of WRC.
