JUST IN : Red Bull Star Kalle Rovanperä Confirms Exit from WRC as 2026 Move to Single-Seaters Announced… Read more
Red Bull Star Kalle Rovanperä Confirms Exit from WRC as 2026 Move to Single-Seaters Announced
Two-time World Rally Champion Kalle Rovanperä has shocked the motorsport world by announcing his departure from rallying, confirming that he will switch to single-seater racing in 2026 — a move that could eventually pave the way for a future in Formula 1.
The 25-year-old Finnish sensation, backed by Red Bull, is widely regarded as one of the most talented rally drivers of his generation. Rovanperä made history in 2022 when he became the youngest-ever World Rally Champion, clinching the title at just 22 years old. His dominance that season included five wins from the first seven rallies, with another victory at Rally New Zealand sealing the championship.
He followed up that historic achievement with another stellar campaign in 2023, securing back-to-back WRC titles and cementing his reputation as one of rallying’s brightest stars. However, despite his continued success and strong performances this season, Rovanperä has decided to pursue a new challenge — trading gravel and dirt for asphalt and aerodynamics.
In an official statement shared across his social media platforms and through Toyota Gazoo Racing, the Finnish driver confirmed his plans to step away from rallying at the end of 2025.
> “I’m proud of achieving my championship titles at such a young age,” Rovanperä wrote. “But winning record numbers of titles has never been my main goal. Now it’s time to chase new dreams at the highest level of circuit racing. I understand this move might seem surprising or even risky, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
Rovanperä will continue to be supported by Toyota as he transitions to the world of open-wheel racing. He will compete in the Japanese Super Formula Championship with Toyota Gazoo Racing beginning in 2026, marking the start of his journey toward a potential Formula 1 seat.
While the move is unconventional, Rovanperä is fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead. Many F1 drivers — including Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson — competed in Super Formula early in their careers, both at around 20 years old, making Rovanperä’s late switch at 25 particularly bold.
In his announcement, Rovanperä also revealed his long-term ambitions beyond Super Formula.
> “I’m excited to confirm that I’ll race in Super Formula in 2026, and at the same time prepare for Formula 2 in 2027,” he said. “Yes, we are stepping into the unknown, but both TGR and I have strong confidence in the plan we’ve carefully put together. I’m extremely motivated to work hard and achieve something special — to rewrite history.”
His choice of Super Formula is also a strategic one. The series awards 30 FIA Super Licence points to its champion, bringing Rovanperä closer to the 40 points required to qualify for Formula 1. If he performs strongly, it could open the door to an eventual opportunity with Red Bull or one of its affiliated teams.
For now, Rovanperä remains focused on finishing his rally career on a high. He currently sits third in the 2025 WRC Drivers’ Championship with three rounds remaining. His fans and the motorsport community will be watching closely to see if he can cap off his WRC chapter with one final victory before turning his attention to his ambitious new career path.
Who knows — in just a few years, the world could see Kalle Rovanperä trading rally stages for the Formula 1 grid, representing Red Bull in yet another chapter of his remarkable racing story.
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