Esapekka Lappi has offered an update on his future, stating that he is “still in talks” with Hyundai, while also looking at other options to continue his rallying career.
Lappi became a free agent for 2025 after Hyundai announced a new strategy for its third World Rally Championship entry having opted to sign Adrien Fourmaux from M-Sport-Ford to pilot the car on a full-time basis.
After completing a full season with Hyundai in 2023, Lappi moved into a part-time drive with the Korean marque for 2024, sharing the third i20 N Rally1 with Andreas Mikkelsen and Dani Sordo.
Despite a topsy-turvy 2024 that included victory in Sweden amid two retirements from his five rounds, Lappi had been keen to continue his partial-season role with the team moving forward, before Hyundai’s decision to sign Fourmaux.
While Lappi’s future is yet to be resolved, the Finn says talks are continuing with Hyundai which is still considering the prospect of running a fourth car at selected events next year.
“We haven’t updated anything here for a while, it is mainly because there hasn’t been any news to tell. But now I have decided to tell on the situation, even though there is no big news,” said Lappi in a video on social media.
“First of all thanks to everyone, the fans, sponsors who have lived with us [on this journey].
“Our season did not end as we would have liked, but that can’t be changed anymore.
“Now we have discussed what could possibly be done for this year.
“We are still in talks with Hyundai, but we are looking at other options too, with an open mind to other series to see what options are available.
"So the situation is still completely open, which is not a good thing, but on the other hand it is very liberating when you are not tied to do anything, so it also feels good I have to say.
“Now let’s enjoy the winter days and see if our plans go one way or the other in the coming weeks. We will do another post when the time is right.”
Likewise, Lappi’s former Hyundai team-mates Mikkelsen and Sordo are yet to shed light on their plans for 2025.
