Hayden Paddon returns to WRC with Hyundai Motorsport team

Words: Andrew Sluys

Published 8 December 2025

Kiwi rally stars Hayden Paddon and co-driver John Kennard will be back in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the 2026 season.

Paddon will be racing under the Hyundai Motorsport team, which is the same outfit he competed for in his previous WRC stint between 2014 and 2018.

The 2026 WRC season kicks off in Monte Carlo on January 22.

“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.”

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