Yeah, it is. He misses a few rallies so he is not "responsible" for not winning the championship later.
So he calculated a plan before the season not to do some rallies so that he could win the title by 4 points on the final day of the 14th and final rally which he earned through attrition. And the...
Total Bullsh*t :D Not starting in an event is the same as retiring from an event. I he had retired after the 1st time control, then you would be happier?
1. no 2. yes! 3. not even close 4. sadly no 5. no haha, this was more hope than actual expectation.

:crazy:
[WRC] Rally Saudi Arabia 2025