World Rally Champion and Toyota factory driver Sébastien Ogier apologizes on social media to Mohammed Bin Sulayem and Santiago Peña
Sébastien Ogier has publicly apologized to FIA President Mohammed Bin Sulayem and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña for an “inappropriate incident.” The nine-time and reigning World Rally Champion posted a statement on social media apologizing for the concerns he had expressed during the Rally Paraguay.
FIA President Bin Sulayem was present at the Rally Paraguay, as was President Pena, to introduce the new holders of the WRC’s commercial rights at a press conference on Saturday. It is unclear exactly what Ogier said in his conversation with the two. The fact is: The nine-time world champion was particularly frustrated with and complained about WRC tire supplier Hankook over the weekend.
On Friday’s stage, Ogier suffered two tire blowouts before being recorded as a retiree after the third special stage (SS 3) due to a defective front suspension on his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. Ogier described the tires as “not up to World Championship standards,” saying it was “simply a lottery” and “anything but acceptable.”
On Sunday, a few hours after the rally ended, Ogier released the statement mentioned at the beginning. In it, he reveals that he personally apologized to Bin Sulayem and Pena on Saturday evening. Below is the full text of Ogier’s statement.
After an eventful and very well-organized Rally del Paraguay, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly apologize for the inappropriate interaction with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and President of Paraguay Santiago Peña yesterday afternoon.
It was neither the right…— Sébastien Ogier (@SebOgier) August 31, 2026
“Following an eventful and very well-organized Rally Paraguay, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly apologize for the inappropriate incident that occurred yesterday afternoon involving FIA President Mohammed Bin Sulayem and Santiago Pena, the President of Paraguay.”
“It was neither the right time nor the right tone in which I expressed my concerns regarding the World Championship. I already had the opportunity last night to apologize to both presidents in person, after which a very constructive conversation followed.”
“It was actually a great moment to speak with FIA President Bin Sulayem and address some areas that we all know require attention and improvement in our sport. Together, we set some clear goals, and I look forward to seeing them implemented for a better future of rally racing,” said Ogier.