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WRC Expands to 15 Rounds in 2027, Featuring Returns to USA and UK

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The World Rally Championship is poised for a significant expansion in 2027, with the FIA unveiling a calendar featuring 15 events, a first since 2008. This ambitious schedule sees the long-awaited reintroduction of rallies in the United States and the United Kingdom, alongside a strategic shift for the Italian round and the confirmed retention of the iconic Safari Rally Kenya. The move underscores the championship's growing global appeal and a concerted effort to broaden its reach to new and historically significant markets, promising an exhilarating season under the new Rally1 era technical regulations.

A key highlight of the 2027 calendar is the return of the World Rally Championship to the United Kingdom and the United States, following successful candidate events. Scotland has finalized a three-year agreement to host a gravel rally, marking the WRC's comeback to the UK after an absence since 2019. This event is slated for late September to early October. Similarly, the USA will rejoin the calendar in late August with a new gravel rally based in Knoxville, Tennessee, incorporating stages across both Tennessee and Kentucky. The WRC has long targeted the US market for growth, and this inclusion represents a major breakthrough after narrowly missing out on the 2026 schedule.

Further changes include the Italian round transitioning from Sardinia's gravel to the mainland, with Rome's asphalt roads hosting the newly promoted Rally di Roma Capitale. This event, which ascended from the European Rally Championship, will move to a summer slot in July. Meanwhile, concerns surrounding the Safari Rally Kenya's future have been allayed. Despite its contract and government funding support concluding with the 2026 edition, a new agreement has been reached to maintain its March date. FIA road sport director Emilia Abel emphasized the collaborative effort from the FIA, promoters, and local authorities in securing the event, although specific financial details remain undisclosed, confirming the Kenyan government's continued backing.

The 2027 season will commence with the Monte Carlo Rally, followed by the sole dedicated snow event in Sweden, and then Kenya. Three consecutive asphalt rallies will ensue in Croatia, the Canary Islands, and Japan. The rugged gravel stages of the Acropolis Rally Greece will retain its June date, preceding Rome's asphalt challenge. The latter part of the season will feature seven consecutive gravel rallies, starting with back-to-back events in Estonia and Finland. This sequence will lead into the USA, Scotland, Paraguay, and Chile, culminating in the season finale in Saudi Arabia in late November.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem highlighted that the 2027 calendar reflects the WRC's significant momentum, with new events in the UK and Italy leveraging their rich rallying heritage. The US return offers an exciting opportunity for expansion in a rapidly growing market. Coupled with new WRC27 technical regulations and substantial long-term investment from a new promoter, the championship's future appears exceptionally promising. WRC Promoter CEO Éric Boullier echoed this sentiment, noting that the calendar represents an exciting new chapter, aiming for a stronger, more accessible, and truly global championship. He believes that re-entering the US and UK markets, along with adding an iconic destination like Rome, will create immense opportunities for manufacturers, commercial partners, and fans worldwide, ultimately shaping the WRC's future and attracting new investment.

The 2027 FIA World Rally Championship calendar is scheduled as follows:
1. Rallye Monte-Carlo - (Mixed surface) - 21-24 January
2. Rally Sweden - (Snow) - 18-21 February
3. Safari Rally Kenya - (Gravel) - 18-21 March
4. Croatia Rally (Tarmac) - 8-11 April
5. Rally Islas Canarias (Tarmac) - 6-9 May
6. Rally Japan (Tarmac) - 3-6 June
7. Acropolis Rally Greece (Gravel) - 24-27 June
8. Rally d'Italia (Tarmac) - 8-11 July
9. Rally Estonia (Gravel) - 22-25 July
10. Rally Finland (Gravel) - 29 July-1 August
11. Rally US (Gravel) - 26-29 August
12. Rally Scotland (Gravel) - 30 September-3 October
13. Rally del Paraguay (Gravel) - 21-24 October
14. Rally Chile Biobío (Gravel) - 4-7 November
15. Rally Saudi Arabia (Gravel) - 25-28 November

In a bold move reflecting strong global demand, the FIA has substantially expanded the World Rally Championship calendar for 2027, increasing it to 15 rounds. This includes the highly anticipated re-entry of the United States and the United Kingdom, alongside a new asphalt event in Rome, Italy. The future of Safari Rally Kenya has also been secured, ensuring its continued presence. This expanded and diversified schedule, coupled with new technical regulations, aims to invigorate the sport, attract new investments, and extend its appeal to a broader international audience, ushering in a dynamic new chapter for rally racing.

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F1 Drivers Debate Cooling Vest Necessity in Extreme Heat

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Isack Hadjar, a Red Bull Formula 1 driver, has called for the elimination of cooling vests from the sport, asserting that the rigorous physical demands are a fundamental aspect of motor racing. This stance emerges after the recent Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where the sweltering heat and humidity at the Sepang International Circuit reignited discussions around the use of cooling apparatus.

The debate surrounding these vests has garnered diverse reactions from drivers. While some appreciate the comfort offered by artificial cooling, others have voiced concerns about their design and actual performance. The vests, which circulate cool liquid through tubes within a fireproof suit, initially provide relief. However, as cockpit temperatures escalate, the effectiveness of the liquid diminishes, turning it lukewarm.

Amid these differing perspectives, Hadjar firmly expressed his view that such artificial cooling devices have no place in Formula 1. His teammate, four-time champion Max Verstappen, echoed this sentiment, stating that cooling vests are "not needed." Verstappen further elaborated that he would decline to use them even if they sustained their cooling effect for an entire Grand Prix, citing issues with restricted movement due to the internal tubing and questioning their long-term efficacy across various racing categories.

This discussion highlights a broader conversation within Formula 1 about preserving the athletic challenge of the sport while ensuring driver safety and well-being. Balancing technological advancements with the traditional demands of racing remains a key point of consideration for the future of F1.

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Guenther Steiner Praises Laurent Mekies' Calm Leadership at Red Bull F1

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In the aftermath of Christian Horner's departure, former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has publicly commended Laurent Mekies, the new Red Bull team chief, for his steady and composed guidance. Steiner attributes Red Bull's current stability and recent triumphs to Mekies' leadership, particularly highlighting his ability to navigate the team through a period of significant change.

Mekies assumed the roles of Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal in July 2025, stepping in after a series of high-profile exits, including those of Adrian Newey, Helmut Marko, and Jonathan Wheatley. Beyond merely steadying the team during these transitions, Mekies was also instrumental in overseeing the integration of new power units developed by Red Bull Powertrains in collaboration with Ford, alongside preparing for the 2026 regulatory changes. The team currently holds fourth position in the constructors' championship. A pivotal moment for Red Bull was the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, where four-time champion Max Verstappen secured the team's first victory of the season and the inaugural win for the Red Bull Powertrains initiative.

Steiner, speaking on The Red Flags Podcast after the Sepang International Circuit race, applauded Mekies for his unwavering focus amidst external pressures. He noted Mekies' consistent composure, politeness, and ability to address issues without overreacting, even when faced with public criticism or demands from drivers like Max Verstappen. Steiner emphasized that Mekies' extensive experience across various roles in Formula 1 has equipped him with the wisdom to concentrate on his duties, effectively filtering out external distractions and guiding the team towards success.

Laurent Mekies' leadership exemplifies the power of calm resilience in high-pressure environments. His ability to maintain a steady course amidst turmoil, demonstrating professionalism and strategic foresight, serves as an inspiring example for leaders in any field. By prioritizing stability and focusing on tangible results, Mekies not only steadied a major F1 team but also propelled it towards new achievements, showcasing that true leadership thrives on experience, composure, and an unwavering commitment to the task at hand.

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