Hayden Paddon Returns to the FIA World Rally Championship with Hyundai Motorsport

 

8th December 2025 – Hyundai New Zealand is proud to announce that Hayden Paddon, New Zealand’s most successful rally driver, will make a highly anticipated return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2026. Paddon will contest at least three WRC rounds with the Hyundai Motorsport team, commencing at the prestigious Rallye Monte Carlo season opener in January.

 

This marks a significant moment for both Paddon and co-driver John Kennard, as the Kiwi rally star reunites with the Hyundai Motorsport team from which he originally competed with between 2014 until 2018.

 

“I’m thrilled to be back in the WRC with Hyundai,” said Paddon. “Monte Carlo is one of the most iconic events on the calendar, and we’re ready to give it everything. This is about getting familiar with the car, building up our pace and representing New Zealand on the world stage once again.”

 

Leighton Agnew, General Manager Sales, Hyundai New Zealand commented: “Hayden has always been an integral part of the Hyundai family, both here and abroad. His experience, resilience, and proven success are attributes that typify his hard-working kiwi spirit. We are excited to see him back in action at the very top level of rallying.”

 

Paddon’s credentials speak for themselves. He remains the first and only New Zealander to win a WRC round, claiming victory at Rally Argentina in 2016 with Hyundai. His career includes eight WRC podium finishes, 38 stage wins, and the 2011 PWRC World Championship title. Domestically, he has secured multiple New Zealand Rally Championship titles, while internationally, he made history as the first non-European to win the FIA European Rally Championship in 2023, backing it up with a second title in 2024. He also holds the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship crown amongst many other accolades.

 

Paddon’s 2026 WRC program begins at Rallye Monte Carlo, with additional rounds to be confirmed in due course. Follow Hyundai New Zealand for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes coverage of Hayden’s WRC campaign and WRC.com for live stage by stage action.