Hayden Paddon has no further events on his schedule as a factory Hyundai World Rally Championship driver – for now.
Esapekka Lappi is back in the car for this week’s Rally Chile, but Hyundai has yet to declare its third driver for the final two rounds of the season.
After two podiums in four starts – one on asphalt (Croatia) and one on gravel (Paraguay) – Paddon has the highest points contribution per start of those who’ve occupied the seat this year.
A second place in Paraguay was delivered through careful rally management, minimizing issues as others struggled with punctures and tire delaminations on the first day. That level-headed approach, Paddon believes, is key to his value as a driver.
“I’ve never given up,” Paddon told DirtFish. “That’s why we self-funded our own European campaigns, and it was always a try and stay in the shop window.
Paddon is aware he's not got age on his side, but with that comes experience and wisdom
“I know I’m no spring chicken, and maybe not the fastest driver out there, but I think in the big picture, what we can offer in terms of car development, how you put together a rally, how you put together a championship [is strong]. Hopefully my grey hairs are good for something.”
A future beyond the driving seat?
Both Paddon and Hyundai’s WRC sporting director Andrew Wheatley have hinted that the Kiwi’s future in the WRC could lie beyond the drivers’ seat.
Paddon already runs his own rally program through Paddon Rallysport Group (PRG) in New Zealand, and has never hidden his ambition to take a Kiwi team to the WRC.
“What the future holds, no idea,” said Paddon. “I’m quite content with what I’m doing and happy in life.
“If an opportunity comes, then great, but I’m not going to sit here begging for it as well because I’ve got lots of things going on in life that are progressing towards bigger things also within the sport with a team as well.”
Should Hyundai continue in the world championship next year, Wheatley said Paddon would be near the top of its list of drivers – not only for his ability behind the wheel but his understanding of the bigger picture of a rally.
“Obviously, we want to try and make sure that we’re in the front seat for that [signing him in 2027],” Wheatley told DirtFish.
“I think where Hayden’s real skill is his ability to see 360 degrees around the rally. He understands exactly how the event runs and he understands what he needs, he understands what people around him need, and I think that’s a skill that we’ll see him come to the fore more in the future.”
