Rovanperä rose to the top of the rally world at a record young age, winning the world championship in 2022 at just 22. His career has been like something out of a fairy tale: from child star to global icon, conquering rallying trails with his skill and courage. However, Evans’ recent comments, made in an interview with Autosport ahead of the 2025 Monte Carlo Rally, reveal that Rovanperä’s success has been fraught with difficulties. “This is not the Kalle I know,” Evans said, referring to Rovanperä’s changed personality and occasional withdrawal from friends and the team.

According to Evans, Rovanperä has struggled with the enormous expectations and media pressure that have accompanied his success. As a young driver, he has carried on his shoulders not only his personal ambitions but also the continuation of the Finnish rally tradition. In Finland, where rallying is considered almost a national sport, Rovanperä has been the subject of constant scrutiny. Evans said that especially after 2023, when Rovanperä took a mental break and competed in only a few of the season’s rallies, he noticed signs of exhaustion in his friend. “He’s always been happy and relaxed, but lately he’s been quieter, more withdrawn. That’s not the Kalle who laughed with us in the service area,” Evans said.

Evans also hinted that Rovanperä’s struggles are not limited to mental stress. The physical demands of rallying, the tight schedule and the constant travel have taken their toll. Based on fan comments on the X-platform, many have noted Rovanperä’s occasionally tired appearance at press conferences, and rumors of health issues have been circulating for some time. While Toyota Gazoo Racing has denied any serious health concerns, the team has admitted that Rovanperä’s well-being has been a priority, and his racing schedule has been lightened for the 2025 season.

Rovanperä’s story has sparked a wider debate about the demands of motorsport. Young drivers must navigate not only the track but also the pressure created by the media and sponsors, which can be overwhelming. Evans’ revelations have left fans wondering whether Rovanperä has paid too high a price for his success. Many remember his openness about his mental health in 2023, when he said he needed time to recover. This honesty has made him an even more beloved figure, but it has also raised the question: can an elite athlete be vulnerable?

On the other hand, Rovanperä’s recent return to the racetrack shows that he hasn’t given up. In the opening rallies of the 2025 season, he has shown again why he is considered one of the most talented drivers of his generation. His driving is still precise and aggressive, but in Evans’ words there is a “silent battle” behind it that outsiders cannot see. The Toyota team has stressed that Rovanperä has a strong support network, and he is working on mental coaching to find balance.

Evans’ revelations have been met with mixed feelings by fans. In discussions at X, some praise Rovanperä for his openness, while others fear that his career could be in jeopardy if the pressure builds further. The rally world is now waiting to see how Rovanperä navigates these challenges. In Evans’ words: “Kalle is strong, but he is also human. I hope he finds his way back to the joy that rallying used to give him.” Rovanperä’s story is a reminder that even the biggest stars can face dark moments, but their ability to rise again makes them legends.