Pressure-Free Performance: Why Esapekka Lappi Found Lasting Satisfaction at WRC Rally Sweden

Esapekka Lappi reveals why a shift in mindset and a "pressure-free" return to the WRC led to his happiest performance at Rally Sweden 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 7:20 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Motorsport.com

Finding Joy Beyond the Podium

Two years ago, Esapekka Lappi stood on the top step of the podium at Rally Sweden, ending a victory drought that had spanned over half a decade. Yet, after finishing sixth in the 2026 edition of the event, the Finn appeared even more satisfied. The primary driver of this happiness was not the result itself, but the unexpected opportunity to compete at the highest level again. Having made his peace with his WRC career ending in 2024, Lappi’s return to the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 was a comeback he admitted he never thought would happen, transforming his second stint into a bonus chapter driven by enjoyment rather than necessity.

A Mindset Shift: Racing Without Stakes

The most significant change for Lappi in 2026 is his mental approach to the championship. Sharing Hyundai’s third car alongside Dani Sordo and Hayden Paddon, he is no longer fighting for a full-time factory seat or a long-term future in the sport. "I’m not so stressed because I’m not driving for my future anymore," Lappi explained. This level of mental freedom has allowed him to rediscover the passion that first drew him to rallying, effectively removing the crushing pressure that often accompanies elite competition. By focusing solely on doing his job for the team and enjoying the power of Rally1 machinery while it is still available, he has found a "breath of fresh air" in his professional life.

Outperforming Team-mates on the Snow

Lappi’s satisfaction was also fueled by his immediate competitive pace. Despite being away from the top-tier of the WRC for a year and a half, he emerged as the fastest Hyundai driver throughout much of the Swedish event. He consistently outpaced his full-time team-mates Adrien Fourmaux and Thierry Neuville, who are both contending for the 2026 world title. While the Hyundai squad as a whole struggled to match the dominant pace of the Toyota Gazoo Racing 1-2-3-4 finish, Lappi was pleased to prove that his raw speed remained intact, providing a psychological boost that validated his return to the cockpit.