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Audi Reveals Its 2026 F1 Livery
Andrew Evans
November 13, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Peugeot Polygon concept gets its own Fortnite island
McLaren creates a one-off 750S inspired by Las Vegas
Sauber’s Bortoleto tops crash damage cost ranking
Aston Martin teams up with Tom Holland beer brand
Buzz Lightyear’s Ford GT heads to auction
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
McLaren has introduced a one-of-a-kind 750S, named Project Viva, which draws inspiration from Las Vegas and features an array of custom design elements and hidden references to the city. This exclusive vehicle will be showcased at the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel from November 13 to 20, ahead of the F1 grand prix, highlighting its intricate details that celebrate both Las Vegas culture and McLaren's heritage.
Aston Martin has entered into a three-year collaboration with BERO, a premium alcohol-free beer brand co-founded by Spiderman actor Tom Holland, which will involve product innovation and joint events. The partnership, recently announced but penned at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, aims to integrate BERO into key aspects of the Aston Martin identity.
Ford is set to expand its BlueCruise autonomous driving feature to the popular Puma model, including the electric Puma Gen-E, starting in spring 2026. Initially introduced in the Mustang Mach-E, this technology allows drivers to remove their hands from the wheel on mapped motorways, provided they remain attentive to the road, and will also be available for the Kuga and Ranger PHEV models.
The Subaru Type RA nameplate has reemerged with the introduction of the BRZ STI Sport Type RA, a motorsport-oriented variant of the rear-wheel drive sports car, though it remains exclusive to the Japanese market. This model features enhancements from a race-prepared version, including a modified engine and upgraded components, but only a limited number of 300 units will be available, with prospective buyers needing to enter a lottery for a chance to purchase one.
Nissan is reevaluating its plans for an electric version of the GT-R supercar, initially inspired by the striking Hyper Force concept introduced in 2023. While the company had previously indicated a potential production timeline by 2030, the current focus has shifted to exploring alternative approaches for a next-generation GT-R amid declining demand for electric vehicles in the premium sports car market.
Toyota has begun operations at its new $14 billion battery manufacturing facility in Liberty, North Carolina, marking a significant step in localizing production and creating 5,100 jobs. This plant will focus on producing batteries for a range of electrified vehicles, including hybrids and future all-electric models, while reinforcing Toyota's commitment to a diverse powertrain strategy amid growing demand for hybrid technology.
McLaren is set to introduce a new vehicle annually until 2028, starting with the W1 hypercar next year and culminating in a four-door performance SUV by 2028. This SUV, featuring a V8 engine and designed with a coupe-like silhouette, aims to attract affluent customers looking for a practical yet luxurious driving experience.
Electric vehicle owners will be required to pay the Congestion Charge in central London as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion, with fees set at £13.50 for cars and £9 for vans starting January 2, 2026. This policy shift, announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, ends the previous exemption for all EVs and comes amid concerns that without it, an additional 2,200 vehicles could enter the zone daily by 2026, further straining the city's infrastructure.
Waymo has received approval to operate its autonomous vehicles on freeways in key cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, allowing passengers to experience highway travel at regulated speeds. This development marks a significant step in the company’s growth, as it aims to enhance its service offerings while addressing safety protocols in collaboration with local authorities.
MOTORSPORT
Audi is set to enter Formula 1 in 2026, debuting at the Australian Grand Prix and taking over operations of the Sauber team. The company has unveiled a concept car, the R26, featuring a striking livery that blends Audi's signature colors, while team leadership expresses a strong commitment to competing for championships by 2030.
While the Brazilian Grand Prix was marked by several accidents, a significant crash involving Gabriel Bortoleto during the sprint race has resulted in him topping the rankings of drivers with the most expensive damage repair bills. The incident severely damaged his Sauber and has seen Bortoleto passing previous leader Yuki Tsunoda, who has incurred €2.9 million in damages this season, while championship leader Lando Norris is a surprising third on the list.
Cadillac is conducting a two-day test in preparation for the 2026 Formula 1 season, using a 2023 Ferrari car with a black design, which it is operating under a loan agreement. This testing initiative aims to enhance internal practices and improve communication among team members, rather than focusing solely on performance adjustments.
Yuki Tsunoda expressed surprise at causing Lance Stroll to spin during the Brazilian Grand Prix, an incident that severely impacted his race outcome. Following a series of penalties and a challenging weekend for Red Bull, Tsunoda finished in the last position, despite showing competitive pace during his final stint.
Formula 1 teams have confirmed their ongoing support for the all-female F1 Academy series, extending their involvement beyond the current season. Additionally, the newly introduced Cadillac team will join the existing teams in this initiative, while the Academy is easing its restrictions on driver tenure, allowing select participants to remain for a third year starting in 2027 if it aids their growth.
Goodyear will maintain its role as the tyre supplier for the British Touring Car Championship through at least the end of the 2031 season following a newly confirmed extension. This partnership, which has been in place since 2003, will see Goodyear provide various tyre compounds throughout the championship's ten-event schedule, further enhancing its long-standing commitment to the series.
Max Verstappen acknowledged that his incident with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix was a significant error in his 2025 Formula 1 campaign, admitting he could have approached the situation differently. Although facing a challenging season and trailing in the championship standings, Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his overall performance, stating his commitment to giving his best in every race.
Adrian Newey has spoken of his process in developing Aston Martin’s 2026 F1 car in collaboration with the engineers at the team. While he acknowledges the pressures of upcoming deadlines that require him to spend more time on design tasks, he believes that fostering teamwork and communication is crucial for the team's success.
CURIOSITIES
The Peugeot Polygon concept car is set to evolve into a production model that will succeed the traditional 208, with an expected launch in 2027, incorporating several of its innovative features. To promote the car and its unusual features such as the Hypersquare steering wheel, Peugeot has created a Polygon island in Fortnite, allowing players to take part in mini-games to earn tokens to create a custom version of the car.
A low-mileage 2017 Ford GT will be available at auction in early 2026, with the vehicle previously owned by a celebrity as well as boasting just 937 miles. Ford selected owners for the GT revival, with actor and race team owner Tim Allen the first owner of this Ingot Silver example, which also features a Heffner titanium exhaust system among its unique specification and previously sold for $1m in 2021.
A recent race in the 2025 NASCAR Mexico series delivered unexpected excitement, taking attention away from Alex de Alba's last-gasp first championship win. After another car became wedged in a tire wall, a Subaru Forester safety car arrived on the scene far too quickly and ended up colliding with the stranded race car, with no injuries reported.
A 21-year old woman in Florida was pulled over while driving her Kia Forte at 107mph in a 55mph zone, reportedly in pursuit of a late-night pizza from Little Caesars. While her reckless speed raises eyebrows, it highlights the questionable choices some drivers make for issues that cannot be regarded as emergencies.
The UK government has enlisted 36 driving examiners from the Ministry of Defence to assist civilians in addressing the significant backlog in driving tests, with each examiner working one day a week for a year. Additionally, new regulations will prevent automated bots from reselling test appointments at inflated prices, ensuring that only learner drivers can book their tests directly.
A 2006 Chevy HHR, originally designed as a promotional vehicle for an audio brand and showcased at the 2006 SEMA show, is now available on a no-reserve auction. The extensively modified exterior features a unique two-tone paint job and custom details, while the interior boasts a sophisticated audio system.
Idaho has enacted a new law allowing vehicles without factory-fitted front license plate brackets to forgo displaying a front plate, a change welcomed by many car enthusiasts. While this legislation eases the burden for certain drivers, law enforcement agencies express concerns about the potential challenges in vehicle identification during traffic stops and investigations.
Automakers have developed sophisticated methods to obscure the designs of their upcoming vehicles, employing various materials to thwart the efforts of automotive spies. The practice, which dates back to the 1950s, has resulted in some fascinating attempts that include Porsche’s use of a BMW 2002 and an Opel Manta to disguise development prototypes of its front-engined 924.
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