The Rallye Monte-Carlo 2025 will be memorable, not only for the unexpected victory of Oliver Solberg but also for the storm of criticism that Hankook’s tire performance has generated. On a course turned into a true ice rink, the question arises: how can a brand be caught so off guard in conditions it should have anticipated?
A Memorable and Treacherous Monte-Carlo
The start of the Rallye Monte-Carlo 2025 was anything but ordinary. The weather conditions caught everyone off guard, with heavy snow making the course nearly impassable. In this chaotic atmosphere, Oliver Solberg emerged as an unexpected hero, while Sébastien Ogier, the undisputed champion, finished in third place. However, his performance was overshadowed by his frank comments about Hankook tires, which he claimed were not up to par.
“Incredibly bad tires,” he stated on Canal+’s microphone. A statement that, in shock, resonated throughout the paddock. For him, it was not just a minor criticism but a wake-up call for a manufacturer aspiring to greatness in the world championship.
Hankook: Between Defense and Acknowledgment
In the face of these accusations, Hankook did not choose the path of avoidance. The South Korean manufacturer acknowledged that its tires, although similar to those from the previous year, were not suited to the extreme conditions encountered during this rally. “Honestly, hearing a nine-time world champion say this about our tires is hard to accept,” commented Steven Cho, Hankook’s spokesperson. But he added pragmatically: “We are in motorsports, and we know that performance is an ongoing quest.”
The Hankook tires adapted for Monte-Carlo 2026, reworked after the criticism.
For Hankook, this year’s event was a real headache. The winter conditions proved to be more demanding than expected, plunging drivers into a slalom between slush and ice. “We have had many years with milder conditions,” Cho added. “We hoped the weather would play in our favor, but it did not.”
Difficult Tests to Conduct
Preparing snow tires is no small feat, especially when seasonality limits testing opportunities. As Hankook pointed out, “it is complicated to find representative conditions for Monte-Carlo.” This statement echoes the difficulties manufacturers often face in the field of motorsports.
The omnipresent snow at Monte-Carlo this year tested all drivers.
Ogier insisted that it was “unacceptable” for the brand not to improve its products. However, Hankook responds that developing snow tires takes considerable time, especially due to the specifics of the Rallye Monte-Carlo, which imposes restrictions on studs, unlike other events like those in Sweden.
“We have a new tire in development that shows promise,” Cho specified. “Unfortunately, we did not have time to validate it for this edition.” A statement that suggests the manufacturer is aware of its weaknesses and is working to improve its products.
An Ongoing Adaptation Strategy
In an effort to compensate for the shortcomings of their tires, Hankook attempted to adapt the tread pattern to optimize the evacuation of slush. Despite these modifications, Cho admitted that it “did not really suffice” in the face of exceptional snowfall. The brand even refused to allow teams to cut into the tires to enhance the grooves, fearing it would lead to integrity issues. A decision that may seem conservative but aims to maintain a certain standard of safety and performance.
Ogier’s and other drivers’ reactions to these challenges highlight the enormous expectations placed on manufacturers in the highly competitive WRC environment. Every detail matters, and a mistake can be costly.
Toward a More Promising Future?
As the Rallye Monte-Carlo 2025 comes to a close, it is clear that Hankook will need to rise and prove its worth on the international stage. The sharp criticisms from drivers like Sébastien Ogier are not just complaints; they are a call to action for a manufacturer that aspires to prove itself. Reputation is at stake, and every rally is a new opportunity to shine or sink into oblivion.
The world of motorsports is ruthless. Here’s hoping that Hankook can leverage this experience to provide products worthy of the expectations of its drivers and the passionate fans who follow this sport fervently.
