Hayden Paddon
It’s all about preparation!
Hayden Paddon
Facts about Hayden
- Nationality
- New Zealand
- Date of birth
- 20. April 1987
- Co-driver
- John Kennard
- With Hyundai Motorsport since
- 2014-2018; 2026
- WRC Starts
- 83 (end of 2025)
- Best Result
- 4th (2016)
Hayden began karting in 1993, inheriting his father's passion for motorsport. At the age of 15, he made the switch to rallying and has never looked back.
Hayden won the New Zealand Rally Championship title four times and was FIA Production Car World Champion in 2011.That same year, he took his first WRC points in Argentina – an event he would later win with our team in 2016.
Hayden scored eight podiums during his first tenure with us, alongside co-drivers John Kennard and Seb Marshall. While we parted ways at the end of the 2018 season, Hayden was never far from a Hyundai.
Hayden and John reignited their successful partnership to win the 2019 APRC Pacific Cup. This led to even more success, with the Kiwi duo winning three further NZ-Rally titles (2021-2023) and the Australian Rally crown (2025). Hayden was also the first non-European driver to win the ERC in 2023 and successfully retained the title in 2024.
Q&A with Hayden
What’s your favourite WRC round and why?
Like John, I can’t go past New Zealand, but in terms of other events I always really love Sardinia. It’s a great place, good challenge and there’s a lot of passion for rallying there.
What do you do to focus before a rally?
It’s about preparation, really; preparing the best you can, doing all your homework and study to get you in the zone for the rally.
What profession would you have chosen if you hadn’t become a rally driver?
There was no other option.
Who is your motorsport idol?
Colin McCrae was who I looked up to as a kid.
What’s your secret to success?
I’m still looking for the secret!