Ott Tänak announces a break from his career in 2026

As we announced at the beginning of the Rally from Japan, penultimate round of the 2025 World Rally Championship, Ott Tänak will soon no longer be a full-time pilot WRCThe 2019 world champion in the discipline waited until the end of the event (finishing in 4th place) to confirm the rumor that had been circulating in the rally service park for a few weeks.

It was through a message published a few hours after the end of the Rally Japan that the Estonian announced the news, which we offer in full below. In addition to thanking the teams that welcomed him throughout his career in WRCOtt Tänak explains how the road to the title in 2019 and the subsequent up-and-down seasons allowed him to grow as a man.

Finally, Ott Tänak does not write that he is retiring permanently from the world of rallying. While he does indeed speak of " pause "In his career as a full-time driver, he clearly leaves the door open for a medium-term comeback. In the manner of a Sébastien Ogierwho initially took a step back from sports before focusing on partial programs, then almost complete ones with Toyota It's reasonable to assume so, especially since 2027 will see the arrival of new regulations intended to shake things up and revitalize interest in the WRC. Until then, Ott Tänak wants to spend time with his family and enjoy his young children.

Thank you all! pic.twitter.com/Rf818MHfYq

— Ott Tänak (@OttTanak) November 9, 2025

“After an incredible journey in the World Rally Championship and many unforgettable seasons at the highest level, I’ve decided to take a break from full-time rallying. This wasn’t an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right time to pause, reflect, and dedicate more time to my family and my life in Estonia. Motorsport has been my life since childhood. From my early days in local rallies to the top step of the WRC podium, this sport has shaped who I am. Every step, every turn, every challenge has taught me something about resilience, teamwork, and passion.”

Winning the World Rally Championship in 2019 was a dream come true, but the Lessons learned from the challenging seasons have been equally valuable: those moments when things didn't go as planned, yet we kept moving forward. In many ways, it's been a rollercoaster. Full of dizzying highs and humbling lows, it's been a journey that has tested me on every level: physical, mental, and emotional. But it's also been incredibly rewarding, as each high and low has made the journey more meaningful.

Rallying isn't just about trophies; it's also about people, dedication, and a shared quest. I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who has been part of this adventure. First and foremost, all my sponsors from the very beginning: without your support, we wouldn't be here today. Estonian motorsport wouldn't be what it is today without your commitment. I am eternally grateful to Markko (Martin, former driver and now his manager) who built this bridge to the WRC and paved the way for so many Estonians in this sport. To my teams over the years: M-Sport,Toyota, Hyundai And to everyone I've had the privilege of working with. Thank you all for your trust, hard work, support, and patience. To my co-drivers, engineers, mechanics, and everyone who works behind the scenes. Your passion and precision are what make this sport so special.

In rallying, nothing is achieved alone, and I've been fortunate enough to be among the best in the pursuit of perfection. To the rally community and fans: you have been an incredible source of motivation. The energy in the service parks, the messages of support after tough weekends or victories, for years.  There wasn't a single WRC event without seeing the Estonian flag – it's amazing! It's things like this that kept me going. I'm truly grateful for your support every step of the way.

Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja during their world title win in 2019. Thomas Fenêtre / DPPI

I've reached a point in my career where I need to rethink the balance between competition and my personal life. My children are growing up, life is passing quickly, and I want to be present for the moments that matter most. I also want to take the time to reconnect with my roots, rediscover the peace and quiet of home, and reflect on what's next, both personally and professionally.

This isn't a definitive goodbye to rallying, but simply an opportunity to refocus, recharge, and reorient myself. I still deeply love this sport and I'm sure I'll continue to be involved in it in one way or another.

Rallying will always be a part of me, and I will always be proud of what we accomplished together. Thank you to everyone who shared this chapter with me!

For now, it's time to slow down, take a break, and enjoy life's quieter paths.

Ott Tänak therefore has one rally left to contest as a full-time driver in 2025 with Hyundai, the Saudi Arabia Rally (November 26-29).

ALSO READ > Sébastien Ogier, winner of the Rally of Japan: "It has been a huge challenge."