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Audi Revolut F1 Team Revealed Ahead of 2026 Launch
Andrew Evans
December 15, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Smart #2 in testing, will succeed Fortwo in 2026
F1 driver goes undercover at karting event
Monaco GP gains new sponsor, name change
Czinger 21C smashes Laguna Seca lap record
First two Hurst Vipers for sale
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Smart has unveiled initial images of the #2, which will take the place of the Fortwo and is expected to launch by the end of next year. This electric two-seater will be positioned as the brand's entry-level model, featuring a new Electric Compact Architecture developed collaboratively by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, while maintaining a similar size and driving characteristics to the Fortwo.
Czinger's 21C has established a new lap record for production cars at Laguna Seca with a time of 1:22.30, significantly outperforming the previous record set by Koenigsegg’s Sadair’s Spear only a few weeks back. The company hints at future attempts to further improve this time and is considering European tracks for upcoming challenges.
Jaguar Land Rover has firmly rejected reports that chief creative officer Gerry McGovern was dismissed from his position, although the company has not clarified his current employment status. Despite speculation surrounding his role amidst ongoing changes within the brand, McGovern's profile remains on the company website, indicating he may still be employed.
Volkswagen is set to launch the ID. Polo, an affordable subcompact electric vehicle, in Europe next April, with a starting price below $29,000. This new model, designed and produced entirely in Europe, will feature a front-wheel drive system and multiple battery options, aiming to compete effectively in the growing EV market.
Skoda is considering the possibility of reviving the vRS variant of the Fabia, which was discontinued in 2014 due to poor sales. The recent introduction of the Fabia 130, celebrating the brand's 130th anniversary, is seen as a potential stepping stone, and if consumer interest remains strong, it could support the case for a new vRS model that leverages the company's motorsport legacy.
A new automotive venture named Hameedi Venturo has emerged, founded by a Cosworth board member and a seasoned developer from Ford and Land Rover, aiming to create a groundbreaking all-terrain hypercar. Set to reveal further details in January, the company will focus on a unique blend of high performance and everyday usability, distancing itself from traditional hypercar expectations.
Audi's apprentices have crafted the GT50, a unique concept that pays homage to the brand's 50-year legacy of five-cylinder engines. This striking vehicle, inspired by classic racing styles, hints at the potential for more powerful RS3 variants as the five-pot engine continues to make its mark in the automotive world.
China's approach to autonomous vehicles is characterized by stringent regulations and a focus on advanced driver assistance systems, which most local manufacturers are actively developing. Following a tragic incident involving a Xiaomi vehicle, Chinese authorities have mandated the use of standardized terminology for these technologies, recently granting Level 3 licenses to two state-owned companies, Changan and BAIC, for their vehicles under specific conditions.
MOTORSPORT
Audi is set to enter Formula 1 in 2026 after acquiring the Sauber team and establishing a partnership with Revolut, a financial technology firm. The newly named Audi Revolut F1 Team will debut its car and livery at a launch event in Berlin on January 20, marking a significant step in its preparations for the upcoming season.
Starting in 2026, Louis Vuitton will take on the title sponsorship of the Monaco Grand Prix, which will be officially known as the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco, marking a new multi-year agreement with F1 and the Automobile Club de Monaco. This partnership highlights the luxury brand's significant presence at the event, including the continued tradition of the distinctive trophy trunk.
Adrian Newey will assume the role of Formula 1 team principal for the 2026 season, succeeding Andy Cowell, who is transitioning to the position of chief strategy officer. The team faced challenges in the 2025, finishing seventh in the constructors' championship, but lead driver Fernando Alonso has commented that these struggles did not influence the leadership changes.
The competitive landscape of Formula 1 in 2025, particularly during the Abu Dhabi finale, didn’t have as bitter an atmosphere compared to the tensions of previous seasons, especially between Red Bull and teams like McLaren and Mercedes. This shift has been attributed to new leadership at Red Bull, where new principal Laurent Mekies prefers a focus on racing performance over political maneuvering.
Departing Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko has suggested that an earlier departure of Christian Horner from the Red Bull could have altered the outcome of the drivers’ championship. Horner's removal as team principal after two decades was a move Marko believes was necessary to improve the team's performance, with an uptick in results thereafter.
The era of ground-effect F1 car regulations, established in 2022, has reached its end with the end of the 2025 season, with mixed evaluations from FIA's single-seaters director, Nikolas Tombazis. While he acknowledges progress in financial sustainability, he notes that exploitation of certain areas of the rules hindered improvements in racing dynamics, with the teams resistant to regulatory changes to counter the effect.
Williams Formula 1 junior Luke Browning believes his successful debut season in Formula 2 has set him up for a transition to Super Formula next year, rather than a second year in F2. After finishing fourth in the F2 standings and achieving notable results, including a victory at Monza, Browning has begun testing with Kondo Racing in Japan, expressing optimism for the upcoming season despite acknowledging the team's previous challenges.
Sebastien Loeb has reflected on his readiness for the upcoming Dakar rally, noting improvements in the Dacia Sandrider and the team's overall competitive position compared to last year. He comments on the importance of teamwork and preparation while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the event and the necessity for a bit of luck to secure victory.
CURIOSITIES
Kimi Antonelli is making the most of his winter break by racing at a karting facility in Milton Keynes, disguising his identity and racing under an alias. Demonstrating impressive skill, the Mercedes driver significantly outpaced competitors in challenging conditions, setting times that surpassed notable benchmarks, all while preparing for his upcoming season in Formula 1.
Barrett-Jackson will auction two of the rare Hurst 50th Anniversary Vipers, which are the first two units produced in this limited series of 50, featuring distinctive Flat Gold paint and very low mileage. The winning bidder will also receive a unique Viper-themed go-kart that matches the cars' aesthetic, adding to the exclusive nature of this offering.
Gran Turismo 7 is launching its Holiday Season Login Campaign, offering players rewards for logging into the game over the next three weeks, mirroring the structure from previous years. Participants can earn a variety of predetermined gifts, including credits and roulette tickets, simply by accessing the game five times during each ten-day window, starting from December 15.
Casio's new Edifice ECB-2300HR-1A commemorates Honda's historic 1965 Formula 1 victory, reflecting the design elements of the RA272 race car, including its signature color scheme and tachometer style. While honoring the past, the watch incorporates modern features like Tough Solar charging and Bluetooth connectivity, offering both nostalgia and contemporary functionality.
Residents in urban areas often face extreme heat during the summer months, with Los Angeles experiencing average highs of 84 degrees Fahrenheit. To address the elevated temperatures caused by the heat island phenomenon, city officials are implementing a reflective coating on select streets, which is expected to significantly lower surface temperatures and improve overall urban climate conditions.
Third-party tuning offered by manufacturers, such as Manthey parts for a 911 or Mountune tweaks for a Focus ST, have a long history of providing a unique and warrantied way to extract performance. One such example is a project between Ford and Janspeed, creating the Capri Janspeed V6 Turbo of which only one prototype is thought to remain and is now offered for sale after restoration.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, recently re-elected as FIA president, remains deeply passionate about automobiles, often wishing to experience the thrill of driving rather than just overseeing events from the paddock. His impressive collection includes a variety of high-performance vehicles, such as a unique Koenigsegg Chimera, and renowned older models like the Bugatti Veyron and Ferrari F40, showcasing his dedication to automotive excellence.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!