Blog: What does Rovanpera’s and Tanak’s retirement mean for WRC?

World Rally Championship is going to lose two of the greatest drivers in its history. So, what does their retirement mean from the World Rally Championship? Will it have a good or a bad impact to the sports popularity?

The WRC is perhaps one of the most demanding motorsport disciplines, requiring exceptional adaptability from its drivers, who must perform under constantly changing weather and road conditions. It is a grueling sport — both for the cars and for the crews. However, in recent years, the WRC has been losing its prestige, and along with it, its drivers. The championship now enters a period of uncertainty, as the regulations for the 2027 season have yet to be finalized. The sport is struggling, with only three manufacturers competing and very few available seats for drivers.

The recent announcement by Kalle Rovanperä that he plans to switch from WRC to Super Formula came as a shock to the rally community. And just yesterday, another blow struck the WRC world: Ott Tänak announced his retirement — although he hasn’t completely closed the door on a potential return. The 2026 season will mark a transitional phase for both teams and crews, as they prepare for the new era of WRC that begins in two years. It will also be a bittersweet season, as the championship will lose two of its top drivers — Rovanperä and Tänak.

Both are incredibly competitive on the stages and immensely talented behind the wheel. Both have won world titles and left their mark on rallying history. But 2026 will be a very different year for the entire WRC community, as the sport seems to be collapsing — something reflected in the absence of two of the finest drivers the series has seen in recent years.

While all eyes are currently in Saudi Arabia, where Elfyn Evans and Sébastien Ogier are set to battle it out, one cannot overlook the fact that Rovanperä and Tänak will be missing from the 2026 grid — a season that begins in just three months.

What does this mean for the championship? Perhaps that the WRC is slowly losing its stature, as two of its biggest stars have already chosen to step away, depriving fans of thrilling battles and unforgettable spectacles. Most importantly, it highlights that the WRC is beginning to suffer at its very core — its drivers.

Photo Credits: Red Bull Content Pool