Esapekka Lappi, a prominent figure in the World Rally Championship, has declared a hiatus from his professional rallying endeavors. The announcement came during a press conference hosted by Skoda Finland, preceding the Porvoon Autopalvelu Ralli, the concluding event of the Finnish Rally Championship, in which Lappi was slated to participate.
The distinguished driver, who has claimed victory twice in the WRC and secured 15 podium finishes throughout his career, indicated that while he might engage in select events in the future, his full-time commitment to the sport is now on hold. Lappi, at 35 years old, conveyed that this pause is open-ended, stating, "I won’t say never again, because I’ve said that many times. But for the time being, I’m going to stop." He further clarified that his immediate plans do not involve continuing in either the Finnish Rally Championship or any other racing series.
Lappi's journey in the WRC began in 2011 with his debut at Rally Finland. He rose to prominence by clinching the 2016 WRC2 title with Skoda Motorsport. His ascent continued with Toyota in 2017, marking the manufacturer's return to the top tier, where he secured a memorable home victory at Rally Finland. After finishing fifth in the 2018 championship with three podiums, he joined Citroen in 2019, achieving three second-place finishes. A stint with M-Sport-Ford in the truncated 2020 season was followed by a return to WRC2 in 2021 and a part-time role with Toyota in 2022. In 2023, Lappi returned to full-time competition with Hyundai, highlighted by a win at Rally Sweden. For 2024, he shifted to a part-time schedule with the Korean team, participating in five events with the i20 N Rally1. Reflecting on his decision, Lappi, who recently won consecutive Finnish Rally Championship titles in 2025 and 2026 with co-driver Enni Malkonen, admitted to feeling emotional, emphasizing the profound impact rallying has had on his life both personally and financially. He spoke of the "adrenaline and endorphins" that accompany pushing the limits in rallying, likening it to a potent sensation. Looking ahead, Lappi plans to remain connected to the sport by mentoring young driver Lauri Halonen within Skoda Motorsport Finland’s development program, indicating his ongoing passion for the rallying world.
Esapekka Lappi's decision to step away from professional rallying underscores the immense dedication and personal sacrifices demanded by elite-level motorsports. His reflections highlight the intricate balance between career aspirations and personal well-being, inspiring us to pursue our passions with intensity while also acknowledging the importance of self-care and finding fulfillment beyond a single pursuit. It’s a powerful reminder that true success encompasses not only professional achievements but also a harmonious personal life and the courage to seek new horizons when the time is right. His continued mentorship of young talent ensures his legacy will inspire the next generation, channeling his experience into building a brighter future for the sport.