Hayden
Paddon
New Zealand
·
WRC
After eight years away from a factory seat, the 2016 Rally Argentina winner joins Hyundai Motorsport for a part-time campaign, bringing a wealth of experience and a relentless "never-give-up" attitude back to the world stage.
Paddon’s journey from Geraldine to the top of the WRC podium is a story of pure grit. After making history as the first New Zealander to win a WRC event in 2016, his full-time career was cut short at the end of 2018.
However, rather than walking away, Paddon spent his hiatus proving his class across the globe. He made history as the first non-European to win the FIA European Rally Championship in 2023, a title he successfully defended in 2024. A dominant 2025 followed, where he added the Asia Pacific Rally Championship crown to his trophy cabinet.
In 2026, Paddon returns to the Hyundai family to share the third i20 N Rally1 with fellow veterans Dani Sordo and Esapekka Lappi. Now a more mature and calculated competitor, his role has shifted from chasing individual titles to being a vital team player.
WRC photos 2026
WRC Rallye Monte-Carlo 2026, Hayden Paddon / John Kennard
© WRC / @World
WRC Rallye Monte-Carlo 2026, Hayden Paddon / John Kennard
© WRC / @World
Paddon (2026) 16x9
© WRC
WRC Season Launch 2026
© WRC / @World
