Sébastien Ogier has secured his ninth career FIA World Rally Championship drivers’ title after finishing third overall at the 2025 Rally Saudi Arabia, the season’s final round held in Jeddah.

His performance throughout the three-stage final day — particularly a bold charge on the penultimate Asfan stage — secured the championship despite competing part-time this season.

The rally itself was won by Belgian driver Thierry Neuville in a Hyundai i20 N Rally1, marking his first victory of 2025. Neuville navigated a treacherous final weekend, maintaining consistency amid mechanical issues and pressure from rivals to clinch the rally victory.

Ogier’s late-season push, combined with misfortune for his closest title rivals, allowed him to edge out Welsh driver Elfyn Evans and Finland’s Kalle Rovanperä in one of the tightest title deciders in recent WRC history.

Co-driver Vincent Landais celebrated his first world championship triumph alongside Ogier.

The result draws Ogier level with French rally legend Sébastien Loeb for the most WRC drivers’ titles in history, cementing his legacy among motorsport’s elite.

For Neuville and his Hyundai team, the Saudi victory offers a satisfying finale to a demanding season.

For Ogier and Toyota, the championship win reaffirms a comeback path even with a reduced programme — a testament to enduring skill, strategy, and pace.