The world of motorsport is buzzing with two significant developments: the FIA is assisting Red Bull in the potential $550 million sale of its World Rally Championship (WRC) commercial rights, and Mercedes' Toto Wolff is forecasting "monster" straight-line speeds for F1 cars under the new 2026 technical regulations.
Why it matters:
These stories signal major shifts, from Red Bull's strategic divestment in rally to a radical overhaul in Formula 1's technical landscape. The WRC sale could reshape its future, while the 2026 F1 rules promise a new era of performance.
The details:
- WRC Sale: The FIA will open a tender process to find a buyer for WRC Promoter GmbH, currently owned by Red Bull and German investment firm KW25. The sale is valued at approximately $550 million (€500m), a move Red Bull has been considering for the past year.
- 2026 F1 Regulations: Formula 1 is preparing for a sweeping technical overhaul:
- Power Units: A 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power. Electric power will dramatically increase from 120kW to 350kW (nearly triple). ICE power will be reduced but offset by the electric boost.
- Aerodynamics: The ground-effect concept will be abandoned. Cars will be lighter, slimmer, and shorter, with a completely redesigned aero package.
- Performance Impact: This combination is expected to result in significantly higher top speeds on straights, a point highlighted by Toto Wolff.
What's next:
The WRC tender process will move forward to identify a new commercial rights holder. For Formula 1, teams will continue to develop their strategies and designs in anticipation of the 2026 regulations, which promise to push the boundaries of car performance, especially in straight-line speed.