Sébastien Loeb, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Paris
  • Last updated on

most successful driver in the World Rally Championship history among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-informed source, most successful driver in the World Rally Championship history Sébastien Loeb is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the racing driver's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 06/05/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Loeb for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 52-year-old racing driver, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Loeb so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the racing driver have already been named ‘French Of The Year’ by some major French newspapers and even ‘Haguenau Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Haguenau (Sébastien Loeb's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the racing driver was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Sébastien Loeb Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 5 May 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveSébastien”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 5 May 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Sébastien Loeb?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 5 May 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Sébastien Loeb?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Sébastien Loeb: Recent News

 

page served in 0.039s (1,2)