As he has just equaled Sébastien Loeb’s record with nine titles under his belt, Sébastien Ogier is already looking to the future. The French driver, accompanied by his loyal co-driver Vincent Landais, is preparing to compete in a reduced 2026 season, but with the firm intention of becoming the first to reach the milestone of ten championships in the WRC. Hold on tight, as the road will be fraught with challenges!
A Memorable 2025 Season
Just a few hours after celebrating his ninth world title, Sébastien Ogier was already in the spotlight, questioned about his ambitions for the future. The previous season was one of the brightest of his career: six victories and ten podiums in just eleven participations out of the fourteen rallies on the calendar. Just imagine: leading a rally before suffering a flat tire at the Central European Rally, then clinching the title with a mere four-point gap over Elfyn Evans. The tension was palpable, but Ogier managed the pressure brilliantly.
A Positive Record and Ambitions for the Future
In an interview with Motorsport.com, Ogier did not hide his satisfaction: “I think it was quite visible from the outside, but for me, I believe that [the 2025 season] was one of the best of my career, so I think we need to be aware of that and be satisfied with what we achieved this year.” A lucid observation from a man who knows his trade inside out.
For 2026, Ogier plans an even more reduced program, with only ten rallies to his name. However, this does not exclude him from the title fight. “Everyone asks me about the ten [titles], blah-blah-blah, but the fact is that I know it won’t be easy to replicate that kind of performance. We’ll see, I can only try. I still have a good team around me and the motivation within me to go for it, so we’ll see.”
A Car Ready to Conquer
For 2026, Ogier and Landais’s Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 will feature a brand new Red Bull livery. But this eye-catching appearance should not overshadow the hard work behind it. Toyota has already fine-tuned its machine by improving the suspension and rear wing, ready to face the competition with sharpened equipment. Ogier knows that success will depend on these technical evolutions: “It’s the key to success everywhere. We continue to work and we try to improve what was already good and strong last year.”
Formidable Competition
The WRC landscape is changing, with the departure of iconic figures like Kalle Rovanperä, who is opting for a switch to single-seaters, and Ott Tänak, who seems to be heading towards retirement. Despite these notable absences, Ogier expects a challenging season. “I think Hyundai will be motivated to have a better season than last year, so we need to do our best to stay ahead.”
At Toyota, Elfyn Evans remains a serious competitor, while Oliver Solberg hopes to shine as a full-time driver. On their side, teams like Hyundai are working hard to address their weaknesses and provide better performance for Thierry Neuville, crowned in 2024. The ambitions are high, and the battle promises to be epic.
Toward a New Challenge
The first elements of response for the 2026 season will arrive this weekend with the legendary Monte-Carlo Rally. Ogier will aim for an eleventh record success, and his determination is palpable. The 39-year-old driver has no intention of slowing down; on the contrary, he aspires to surpass his own limits. “I love this mentality, and it has been my approach throughout my career.”
In summary, Sébastien Ogier embodies the passion and resilience of motorsport. His ambition to secure a tenth title in the WRC could very well become a reality, provided he continues to work tirelessly and overcome the challenges that lie ahead. A promising spectacle that deserves to be followed closely.
