Tänak: Life Under the Magnifying Glass Reduces Quality – Everyone Talks About What You Eat, Buy, or Do
WRC driver Ott Tänak has revealed that constant public attention and life on TV have come at a cost, prompting him to prioritize family time. He currently works as a test driver for Toyota, helping develop the new Rally1 car.
Ott Tänak, one of the most prominent WRC drivers, admits that life as a top athlete is far more demanding than it appears on screen. In an interview, he explained that the sport is extremely demanding and what looks like pure joy on television requires immense effort and sacrifice to stay competitive and fight for wins.
A key factor behind his decision to step back from racing is the desire to spend more time with his family. Tänak acknowledged that his professional career has caused him to miss many important moments in his children's upbringing. "I decided to take a short period where we could spend time together," he said.
He also spoke openly about the downsides of fame and the constant public scrutiny that severely limits his privacy. Every move—whether in a restaurant, a shop, or with friends—is noticed and commented on. "In today's social environment, everyone wants to talk about what you ate, bought, or did. If you are very famous, you have to carefully control your behavior and whom you talk to. It definitely reduces the quality of life," Tänak stated.
Currently, Tänak is not competing in any rallies but serves as a test driver for Toyota, assisting in the development of the 2027 Rally1 car. This has sparked rumors of a possible return to his former WRC team next season. Meanwhile, it remains uncertain whether he will participate in his home event, Delfi Rally Estonia, this summer.
