‘Nothing was really perfect’ – Thierry Neuville Reacts to Ending Hyundai’s Winless Streak in Portugal

Thierry Neuville delivered a masterclass in resilience on Sunday by clinching a dramatic win at Vodafone Rally de Portugal to reignite his championship hopes. 

The 37-year-old driver’s performance secured the first victory of 2026 for the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team, breaking a dominant winning streak held by Toyota Gazoo Racing since the start of the season.

The 2024 world champion faced an uphill battle entering round six, sitting seventh in the standings after a frustrating string of results. 

A high-profile crash in Croatia and a podium drought through the first five rounds had put the Belgian under significant pressure. Portugal appeared to be heading toward another Toyota sweep until the penultimate stage changed everything.

How did the lead change hands so late in the rally? 

Sébastien Ogier held a commanding 21.9-second lead on Sunday morning, looking certain to claim a record-breaking eighth victory in Portugal. Disaster struck for the Frenchman on the Vieira do Minho 2 stage when a right-rear puncture forced him to stop. This delay shattered his lead in the rock-strewn conditions, opening the door for the chasing pack.

Neuville spent the weekend navigating treacherous mud and constantly shifting grip levels to stay within striking distance. He inherited the lead following Ogier’s misfortune, leaving him with only the legendary Fafe Wolf Power Stage to navigate.

Why was the final stage so stressful for the winner? 

The final stage presented a psychological test alongside the physical challenges of the road. Neuville admitted to feeling intense pressure before the start, largely due to conflicting weather reports.

“Honestly, I don’t know when the last time I felt that nervous ahead of the powerstage was,” Neuville told DirtFish. “The main reason was because, first of all, we had to bring back that victory for the team. It was such an important one.”

Rain threatened to disrupt his run at the exact moment he reached the start line. A few drops fell in the first two kilometers, but the surface remained largely dry, allowing him to finish 16.3 seconds ahead of Oliver Solberg. This win marked Neuville’s 23rd WRC career victory and his second in Portugal.

What does this result mean for the championship race? 

This result provides a vital boost for the entire Hyundai squad. The team struggled to match the pace and consistency of their rivals throughout the early stages of the year.

Neuville credited the win to the team’s “never give up” attitude. The crew maintained a steady pace despite technical struggles. The victory shifts the pressure back onto Toyota heading into the summer.

Oliver Solberg took second place after a turbulent rally, expressing relief at returning to the podium. Championship leader Elfyn Evans finished third, successfully extending his lead to 12 points over Takamoto Katsuta.

The WRC calendar moves next to FORUM8 Rally Japan at the end of May. Neuville heads to the East with renewed confidence, having proved that he remains a formidable force in the title race.