This salary took a very big reduction hit when he both left to go to M-Sport, and then again when he returned to Hyundai. He had no leverage so had to take a hit when returning to Hyundai. So...
If he doesn't believe he can win the Championship, I wonder if he thinks, is it worth the risk at these speeds, in a car I dont trust. Life is too precious.
The interweb is suggesting that the Russian rallying with a Bulgarian licence is the lead candidate to take the 3rd Hyundai seat in 2026. Seen that on several well connected websites already.

Common sense I guess. M-Sport was certainly not paying what Hyundai paid him when he was hired on a multi year deal as reigning (or soon to be world champion). When he wanted to come back he had...
Silly Season 2026