Reigning Dakar Rally champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi has been forced to abandon the Dakar Rally, organisers confirmed on Wednesday.
Overdrive Racing’s Saudi driver Yazeed al-Rajhi and German co-driver Timo Gottschalk (left) prepare to overtake Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC’s South African driver Henk Lategan and South African co-driver Breet Cummings during the Stage 3 of the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally, between Al-Ula and Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2026. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE)
Officials said Al-Rajhi withdrew at kilometre 234 of the stage after his car suffered technical problems. The setback ended his bid to defend the title he won in 2025.
Saudi driver Yazeed Al Rajhi (R) and co-driver Edouard Boulanger (L) celebrate after winning the Dakar Rally 2025 in the car category at the end of the 12th and last stage in Shubaytah, on January 17, 2025. (Photo by Valery HACHE)
The 44 year old Saudi had struggled since the opening days of the rally and started Wednesday outside the top 15. His retirement came during the first marathon stage, where crews are not allowed outside mechanical help. This meant repairs on his Toyota Hilux were not possible at the end of the 452 kilometre special stage.
Overdrive Racing’s Saudi driver Yazeed al-Rajhi and German co-driver Timo Gottschalk (front) overtake Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC’s South African driver Henk Lategan and South African co-driver Breet Cummings during the Stage 3 of the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally, between Al-Ula and Al-Ula in Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2026. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE)
Al-Rajhi has faced a difficult period since his breakthrough Dakar victory last year. In April, he was involved in a heavy crash during a race in Jordan that left him with multiple fractured vertebrae and sidelined him for several months.
Overdrive racing Saudi driver Yazeed al-Rajhi and German co-driver Timo Gottschalk compete in the prologue, which determines the starting line-up for the first stage of the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally 2026, between Yanbu and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE)
With the defending champion out, the overall lead changed hands on Wednesday. South African driver Henk Lategan, also driving a Toyota, won the stage in 4 hours 47 minutes and 08 seconds.
Overdrive racing Saudi driver Yazeed al-Rajhi and German co-driver Timo Gottschalk compete in the prologue, which determines the starting line-up for the first stage of the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally 2026, between Yanbu and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE)
Lategan finished more than seven minutes ahead of five time Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah and now holds an overall advantage of nearly four minutes heading into the next stage.
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