Sébastien Ogier, the 41-year-old French driver, marked a historic milestone in his career by clinching his 10th Monte Carlo Rally victory on Sunday, January 26.

This triumph not only extended his record but also reaffirmed his dominance on the event that has been a cornerstone of his illustrious career.

Ogier, a former eight-time World Rally Champion, crossed the finish line nearly 20 seconds ahead of his Welsh Toyota teammate, Elfyn Evans, who secured second place.

The Monte Carlo Rally, a prestigious and demanding season-opener, is known for its challenging roads in the French Alps, a terrain Ogier knows intimately.

Having first won the event in 2009, Ogier’s perfect performance in 2025 marked a career-defining achievement, reinforcing his status as the king of Monte Carlo.

Reflecting on his victory, Ogier said, “I don’t know where to start, what a weekend! I think I have my lucky star with me this weekend. It was my uncle who we lost one year ago. I am sure he was bringing me everything, and this one is for him.”

His emotional tribute to his late uncle added a personal touch to what was already a significant milestone in his career.

Despite being a part-time competitor this season, Ogier demonstrated why he is considered one of the greatest in rallying, particularly in the iconic Monte Carlo event.

Having taken the lead on Friday afternoon, Ogier managed to hold his position and deliver a near-perfect weekend performance.

His victory came with a nearly 20-second advantage over Evans, further cementing his place in the sport’s history.

When asked about his future, Ogier was uncertain if he would return to the Monte Carlo Rally in 2026 for a potential 11th win.

“I have no idea if it is my last one now. It would be a good place to stop,” he remarked.

Ogier’s statement left fans and analysts pondering whether this victory would be his final one at the prestigious event.

The podium was completed by Ogier’s fellow Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux, who secured third place driving for Hyundai.

Ogier’s win has left him at the top of the World Rally Championship (WRC) standings, with 33 points. Evans follows closely in second with 26 points, while Fourmaux sits third with six points.

Defending World Champion Thierry Neuville had a subdued start to the season, finishing in sixth place. Neuville, driving for Hyundai, took the results in stride, saying, “It is what it is. We’re gonna learn from it and look forward to Sweden.”

For Kalle Rovanperä, the reigning champion from 2022 and 2023, the Monte Carlo Rally was a disappointing experience.

Despite taking a semi-sabbatical last season, the Finnish driver finished in fourth place.

Reflecting on his performance, Rovanperä acknowledged, “Disappointing weekend for sure, not the result we wanted. Let’s see in Sweden if we can remember how to drive a rally car or not.”

As the WRC season progresses, all eyes will be on the Swedish Rally next month, where Ogier’s dominant start to the season will be put to the test once again.

For now, however, the Monte Carlo Rally will remain a symbol of his enduring skill and legacy in the world of rallying.