Electric Cars

Thierry Neuville, the reigning World Rally Champion, is evaluating his career path for the 2027 season. While he harbors aspirations of continuing with Hyundai, his participation is contingent upon the team's official commitment to the championship and the nature of the opportunities they can offer, potentially involving a reduced schedule.

The 2024 season's victor believes the upcoming year presents an opportune moment for him to scale back his racing engagements, aligning with the championship's impending shift to new technical specifications. This consideration arises amidst a period of uncertainty regarding Hyundai's long-term involvement in the WRC, as the manufacturer has yet to finalize its strategic plans for the discipline.

Neuville has been a consistent presence in the WRC for the past fifteen years, with thirteen of those seasons spent under the Hyundai banner since their re-entry into the championship in 2014. Despite the current ambiguity, Hyundai has indicated it will not develop an entirely new vehicle for the 2027 regulations. Instead, they have channeled resources into refining an updated version of their Rally2 car, which could potentially contend in the premier category next year.

A definitive decision on whether Hyundai will implement the FIA's Rally2 upgrade kit to enable their entry into the new Rally1 class is pending. The team is awaiting the finalization of the sporting regulations, expected to be ratified at the World Motor Sport Council on October 15.

Following a challenging 2026 campaign, Neuville concluded the season by securing a victory in the Power Stage at the Sardinia finale. He subtly hinted at his future intentions, suggesting a continued, albeit potentially modified, association with Hyundai for the upcoming year. Reflecting on his performance and the team's standing, Neuville conveyed a sense of relief at the culmination of what he described as two arduous years. He expressed a desire to take a step back from intense competition, a prospect he believes Hyundai could facilitate, making them his preferred choice for long-term career progression.

Hyundai's motorsport president, Cyril Abiteboul, outlined three potential avenues the team is exploring, all of which hinge on the forthcoming sporting regulations. These options include transitioning to a customer-focused racing program with their Rally2 cars, maintaining their status as a factory manufacturer team, or adopting a hybrid model that combines manufacturer support with customer team operations. Abiteboul emphasized that regardless of the chosen path, the immediate focus remains on developing a highly competitive vehicle. He acknowledged the time required for the new WRC promoter and the FIA to establish the rules for the following year, asserting that Hyundai's investment in the Rally2 car demonstrates their commitment to the sport's future. The question of continuing in the Rally1 journey is settled, but the evolving landscape necessitates adaptation. The brand anticipates clarifying its strategic direction within a few weeks, which will then determine how Thierry Neuville's aspirations can be integrated into their future plans.

Witness the Rebirth: Hamilton's Ferrari F40 Restoration Unveiled

The Ferrari F40: An Iconic Acquisition

Lewis Hamilton, the celebrated seven-time Formula 1 world champion, recently shared a comprehensive video documenting the elaborate restoration of his Ferrari F40. This reveal follows his earlier announcement of acquiring the vehicle prior to this year's Italian Grand Prix. Hamilton expressed deep admiration for the car, noting its legendary status in automotive history. He recounted discovering the F40, which had been kept in a garage since 1991 with minimal mileage, making its revival a truly special endeavor.

Bringing a Classic Back to Life in Maranello

The restoration process was a labor of love, meticulously undertaken at Ferrari's renowned Maranello facility. The video showcases a captivating series of images illustrating each stage of the revival, culminating in the thrilling moment Hamilton sees his F40 fully restored for the first time. His emotional reaction, declaring the car "brand new" and "so good," underscored the significance of the project.

The Roar of a Revived Legend

Seated inside the cockpit, Hamilton paused before igniting the engine. The powerful, resonant roar of the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine filled the workshop, a sound that brought immense joy to the champion. Following this exhilarating start, the F40 was carefully moved out for its inaugural drive post-restoration. This led to a visually stunning photoshoot on a disused section of the famous Monza track, where the car's presence against the iconic banked corners created memorable images for Ferrari F1's history.

A Dream Realized: Hamilton's Personal Connection

Hamilton's passion for the F40 runs deep, a dream he harbored since childhood. He revealed that acquiring the car was a priority upon joining Ferrari, symbolizing its profound personal importance. He emphasized the F40's status as a rare artistic marvel and recounted the challenge and triumph of finding his specific model, which had been untouched for over three decades. He extended his gratitude to the dedicated engineers and mechanics at Maranello whose expertise made this dream a reality, promising to share more insights into this extraordinary project with his fans.