Ott Tanak to take a break after 2025 WRC season
9th November 2025Hyundai’s Ott Tanak has confirmed he will take a break from rallying at the end of the 2025 season after the Estonian released a statement following the end of Rally Japan.
Feature image credit: Jaanus Ree // Red Bull Content Pool
The 2019 World Rally Champion Tanak is set to step away from rallying to enjoy more time with family at the end of the current championship season.
Tanak made a statement confirming the decision following the conclusion of the Rally Japan event, won by Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier, which took him out of contention for the drivers’ championship heading into the Saudi Arabia season finale.
The decision follows on from Kalle Rovanpera’s announcement, recently, where the Toyota driver confirmed his decision to leave the sport to pursue a career in single-seaters.
Thank you all! pic.twitter.com/Rf818MHfYq
— Ott Tänak (@OttTanak) November 9, 2025
In the announcement, Tanak said:
“After an incredible journey in the World Rally Championship and many unforgettable seasons competing at the highest level, I have decided to take a break from full-time rallying.
“This choice has not been easy, but it feels like the right moment to pause, to reflect and to dedicate more time to my family and to life back home in Estonia.
“Motorsport has been my life since childhood. From the early days in local rallies to standing on the top step of the WRC podiums, this sport has shaped who I am. Every stage, every corner, every challenge has taught me something about resilience, teamwork and passion.
“Winning the World Rally Championship in 2019 was a dream come true, but just as valuable were the lessons learned from the difficult seasons; the moments when things didn’t go as planned and yet we kept working forward.
“In many ways, it’s been like a wild rollercoaster. Full of breathtaking highs and humbling lows, it’s been a ride that tested every part of me: physically, mentally and emotionally. But it’s also been deeply rewarding, because every up and down made the journey more meaningful. Rallying is not just about the trophies, it’s about the people, the dedication and the shared pursuit of success.
“I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has been part of this story. First and foremost, to all my sponsors since the very beginning – without your support, we wouldn’t be here today. Estonian motorsport wouldn’t be what it is now without your dedication. I’m forever grateful to Markko [Märtin] who built this bridge to WRC and opened the way for so many Estonians to follow in this sport.
“To my teams over the years: M-Sport, Toyota, Hyundai and everyone I’ve had the privilege to work with. Thank you all for your belief, your hard work, your trust and patience. To my co-drivers, my engineers, mechanics and all the people behind the scenes. Your passion and precision are what makes this sport so special. Nothing in rally is achieved alone and I’ve been fortunate to stand among the best in the chase for perfection.”
“To the rally community and the fans: you have been an incredible source of motivation. The energy at the service parks, the messages of support after difficult weekends or victories, for years there has been no WRC event without Estonian flag – that’s impressive! These are the things that kept me going. I am truly grateful for your support through every twist and turn of this journey.
Despite the shock announcement, Tanak confirms his decision to step away from rally does not entirely mean his rallying career will come to a absolute end.
“There has come a time in my career when the balance between competition and personal life needs to be reconsidered,” Tanak continued. “My children are growing, life moves fast and I want to be present for the moments that matter most. I also want to take the time to reconnect with my roots, to enjoy the calm of home and to think about what comes next, both as a person and as a professional.
“This is not a final goodbye to rallying. It’s simply a chance to reset, recharge and refocus. I still love the sport deeply, and I’m sure I’ll continue to be around in one way or another. Rallying will always be a part of me, and I’ll always be proud of what we’ve achieved together.
“As I look back on this incredible chapter, I do so with gratitude and humility. It has been one hell of a ride – a journey that I will cherish forever. Thank you to everyone who shared this chapter with me!
“For now, it’s time to slow down, take a breath and enjoy life’s quieter roads.
“See you somewhere down the road!”
The decision now marks a pause in the Estonian’s career, which contains one championship win, 22 rally wins, 58 podium finishes and 170 WRC starts, spanning with Toyota, Hyundai and M-Sport Ford.
It will also leave Hyundai with a decision to fill his seat with a driver who will partner up alongside the 2024 world champion Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux.
Read more WRC here:
- Sebastien Ogier wins Rally Japan to tighten gap on Elfyn Evans
- Rovanpera has incident as McErlean crashes on third stage of Rally Japan
- Kalle Rovanpera takes overnight lead of WRC Rally Japan after opening stage
- Evans tops first pass of Rally Japan shakedown as championship rivals remain on heels
- Itinerary: what is the official schedule for WRC Rally Japan?
- Rally Japan: the latest weather forecast ahead of penultimate round
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Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.
I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
Kamron Kent
Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.
