WRC
Lappi enjoying pressure-free WRC return
Esapekka Lappi says a shift in mindset has helped him rediscover his enjoyment of the FIA World Rally Championship after returning to Rally1 machinery at Rally Sweden.
The Finn marked his first top-tier start of 2026 with sixth overall at the championship’s second round, emerging as the fastest driver from Hyundai Motorsport across much of the snow event despite the squad being outpaced by Toyota Gazoo Racing.
For Lappi, though, the result was only part of the story. Now 35 and contesting a part-time programme, he admits his outlook is very different to a few seasons ago when securing long-term factory seats was his primary focus.
“I understand that I’m not driving anymore for my future - because I don’t really care about that,” he said. “I just try to enjoy these [Rally1] machines while they’re still available.
“Three or four years ago, I wanted it too much. I was forcing myself too much and I didn’t really understand how to enjoy it.”
After stepping back from full-time WRC duties, Lappi spent 2025 competing domestically and claimed the Finnish Rally Championship title. The return to national events, he says, helped reset his perspective.
“When I was away for one and a half years, I did some national events and I enjoyed them a lot. Maybe I understood again why I fell in love with this sport in the first place.”
Sweden also marked his first WRC start alongside co-driver Enni Mälkönen, whose energy he credits with lifting the atmosphere inside the i20 N Rally1.
“She’s always smiling,” Lappi said. “And really, the faster we go - flat fifth-gear corner, full sideways - that’s what she likes the most. For me those moments are a bit scary, but she likes them.”
While Hyundai lacked the outright pace to challenge at the front in Umeå, Lappi was satisfied with his own performance after time away from the championship. He ultimately ceded fifth position to team-mate Adrien Fourmaux on Sunday to support the Frenchman’s full-season points campaign.
“For sure it was frustrating to see how far we are from Toyota as a team,” he admitted. “But to be the fastest Hyundai, that’s satisfying. After one and a half years away, to come back and be the quickest in the team - that’s fine.”
