Rovanperä’s decision to cut back on his rally commitments in 2024 raised eyebrows, but he didn’t exactly sit idle. Instead of pushing through another grueling WRC season, he took a step back and tried his hand at other forms of racing. He appeared in Porsche Carrera Cup events, competed in endurance races like the Dubai 24H, and even got behind the wheel of a Red Bull Formula 1 car for a test run.
It’s clear he’s exploring new avenues. And now, respected rally journalist David Evans has suggested that Rovanperä might step away from the WRC entirely to chase a fresh challenge—possibly in single-seaters.
His return to full-time WRC competition in 2025 was supposed to be a statement that he was back and ready to fight. But at the Monte Carlo Rally, one of the most demanding events on the calendar, he finished a distant fourth—54.3 seconds behind his Toyota teammate and rally winner, Sébastien Ogier.
It wasn’t the comeback performance many had expected. And more importantly, it raised a bigger question: where is Kalle Rovanperä’s head at right now?
Drifting Away From Rallying?
Evans, speaking on the Dirtfish podcast, pointed out an interesting detail—just ten days before Monte Carlo, Rovanperä was in Dubai, competing in a 24-hour GT3 race. Now, there’s nothing unusual about drivers dabbling in different disciplines. But in Rovanperä’s case, it adds to a growing feeling that his focus might not be 100% on rallying anymore.
“We haven’t had a rally before where Kalle has spoken so openly about not being fast enough,” Evans said. “He looked lost at times. Never seen that before.”
Toyota has been supportive of his need for balance. They allowed him to take a reduced schedule in 2024, and they’re giving him the space to pursue other interests. But at some point, they’ll want him fully committed. And if Rovanperä isn’t ready to give his all to rallying, then what’s next?
Could F1 Be His Next Destination?
It wouldn’t be the first time a rally driver has considered making the switch to Formula 1. Nine-time WRC champion Sébastien Loeb famously tried in 2009 but was denied a superlicense. Even Colin McRae, one of rallying’s greatest legends, tested an F1 car for Jordan in the late ‘90s.
The path from rallying to F1 isn’t common, but Rovanperä is a special kind of talent. His car control is among the best in the world, and he’s already shown adaptability in circuit racing. Plus, his Red Bull F1 test last year suggests there’s at least some interest from the F1 world in seeing what he can do.
Of course, making it to Formula 1 is no easy task. At 24, Rovanperä is still young, but he’d need to quickly climb the ranks of circuit racing, likely through Formula 3 or endurance racing, before even getting a shot at an F1 seat.
If he does make the switch, it wouldn’t necessarily mean the end of his rally career. As Evans pointed out, he could leave WRC for a few years, try his hand at other racing series, and still return before he turns 30. That’s a luxury few drivers have.
A Crossroads Moment
Rovanperä’s situation isn’t too different from that of Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion, who has openly discussed walking away from the sport at a young age. Verstappen’s father, Jos, even hinted last year that Max could take a break from F1 once his Red Bull contract ends in 2028—just like Rovanperä did with rallying.
Both drivers have spent their entire lives in motorsport, sacrificing their youth to chase success. And while it’s earned them championships and fame, it’s also led to burnout.
For now, Rovanperä is still a rally driver. But how long will that last?
If he continues to explore other racing disciplines, don’t be surprised if we see him take a leap into something new. Whether that’s Formula 1, endurance racing, or even something entirely unexpected, one thing is certain—Kalle Rovanperä is not a driver who follows the conventional path.
So, is he gearing up for an F1 career? Or is this just a phase before he refocuses on rallying? Only time will tell. But whatever he does next, it’s going to be worth watching.
