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Marko Departs Red Bull Racing
Andrew Evans
December 09, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Pastrana's thrilling Gymkhana in Australia
Fiat's tiny Topolino coming to America
First look at F1 2026’s active front wings
Racing game developers shed staff
Ford Fiesta to come back, based on Renault 5
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Fiat is preparing to introduce the Topolino, its compact electric vehicle, to the American market after its success in Europe. This model, which shares its design with the Citroen Ami, aims to attract urban drivers with its small size and distinctive style, though its acceptance among US consumers remains uncertain.
Ford has formed an alliance with Renault to develop at least two electric vehicles using the French automaker's Ampr EV platform, including a new model intended to replace the Fiesta. The initial model, set to debut in early 2028, will be a budget-friendly supermini built alongside the Renault 5 at the ElectriCity facility in Douai, while a second model, a small electric crossover based on the Renault 4, is also planned.
The Citroen ELO, a unique multi-purpose vehicle, features a central driving position reminiscent of the iconic McLaren F1, designed for practicality rather than performance. Although it is unlikely to enter production in its current form, the ELO's innovative design elements, such as convertible seating and space-saving features, could influence future roadworthy models.
Ineos is set to introduce the Game Viewer edition of its Grenadier model, designed specifically for safari experiences, with production starting in 2026. This version will be customized by buyers after being stripped down at the factory, allowing for personal touches while maintaining a manufacturer warranty, catering to both African safari lodges and international estates.
Smart has introduced the #6, its largest model to date, marking the brand's entry into the saloon segment with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This new vehicle, which features a hybrid system combining a turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, aims to compete in a market currently led by notable models in China.
Oliver Zipse, who began his career at BMW in 1991 and became chairman of the board in 2019, will depart the company when his contract concludes in 2026. Milan Nedeljkovic, who has been with BMW since 1993 and has held various leadership roles, will take over the chairman position on May 14, as the company prepares for a busy period with numerous new models set to launch by 2027.
Mercedes-AMG has appointed Stefan Weckbach, a former Porsche executive known for his extensive experience in electric vehicle development, as its new CEO, effective July 1, 2026. Weckbach will lead the brand's transition towards electric performance vehicles, overseeing the creation of a dedicated electric SUV and enhancements to existing models while addressing challenges with the current C63 S E Performance.
Eric Bach, former senior vice president of product and chief engineer at Lucid, has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit alleging he was dismissed after raising concerns about discrimination and a toxic workplace. His claims include being subjected to racist remarks and a flawed investigation by the company’s HR department, which he argues led to a significant reduction in his responsibilities and ultimately his firing.
MOTORSPORT
Helmut Marko will depart from his role at Red Bull, where he has led the driver academy for 25 years, following the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Despite having a contract extending into 2026, discussions regarding his future took place recently, leading to his decision to conclude his long and impactful tenure with the team.
During the post-season testing in Abu Dhabi, prototypes featuring a movable front wing system for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars are being evaluated, allowing teams to gauge the effects of active aerodynamics on drag and tire performance. Mercedes and Ferrari are both experimenting with these systems, which will enable the front and rear wings to adjust dynamically based on track conditions.
Oscar Piastri commended McLaren for fostering a competitive yet fair environment for both him and Lando Norris during their pursuit of the 2025 Formula 1 championship, despite external criticism. Although Norris ultimately claimed the title, Piastri expressed pride in his performance throughout the season and highlighted the valuable lessons learned from their intense rivalry.
Gianpiero Lambiase will continue in his role as Max Verstappen's race engineer for the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite rumors regarding his future. While there were claims that he might not attend races due to personal reasons, after missing two of 2025’s races, credible sources confirm that he will remain actively involved with the team at race events.
The F1 young drivers' test session at Yas Marina Circuit was interrupted due to a crash for Ryo Hirakawa, who lost control of his Haas VF-25 at Turn 1, resulting in a brief halt for recovery efforts. At the time of the incident, his fastest lap was recorded at 1:27.643, placing him 18th among the participants, just ahead of his teammate.
The World Endurance Championship has announced a 35-car lineup for the 2026 season, revealing that Porsche will not participate in the Hypercar category after the withdrawal of both its factory team and customer squad. While the absence of Porsche reduces the Hypercar field to 17 entrants, Genesis will debut with two new LMDh prototypes as it seeks to enter the competitive environment alongside established teams.
Former Formula 1 racer Jack Doohan, along with Freddie Slater and Ugo Ugochukwu, is set to participate in the upcoming post-season Super Formula test at Suzuka, as confirmed by the series organizer JRP. The three-day event will feature a total of 36 drivers, with Doohan aiming to advance his career after leaving his Alpine F1 position, while Slater and Ugochukwu will also make their Super Formula debuts.
Pascal Wehrlein expressed his frustration over receiving a three-place grid penalty for the São Paulo E-Prix, labeling the stewards' ruling as unreasonable. The penalty, imposed for wheelspinning in the pit lane during qualifying, ultimately relegated him from pole position to fourth place, despite his assertion that he did not intend to gain an advantage.
CURIOSITIES
Hoonigan presented its debut Gymkhana episode in Australia after nearly ten years of attempts, featuring Travis Pastrana navigating the Outback in a heavily modified 1978 Subaru Brat, now dubbed the Brataroo 9500 Turbo. The video showcases a series of exhilarating stunts, including jumps and drifts, while highlighting Pastrana's entertaining reactions as he tackles various challenges, including a playful encounter with a kangaroo.
December started off positively for racing game enthusiasts with new updates for several titles, but it has taken a downturn for Straight4 Studios and Three Fields Entertainment. Straight4 Studios has confirmed layoffs within its team following the lukewarm reception of Project Motor Racing, while Three Fields Entertainment faces potential closure after losing funding for Wreckreation, despite its commitment to delivering future updates.
The Jaguar XE SV Project 8, initially perceived as an impractical transformation of a conventional saloon into a high-performance track vehicle, has gained appreciation over time for its remarkable engineering and raw driving experience. With a powerful supercharged V8 engine and a limited production run, this model has become increasingly sought after, especially as the automotive industry shifts away from combustion engines, making its rarity even more pronounced.
The rise of a TikTok trend has led to a significant increase in thefts of certain Kia and Hyundai models, which lack engine immobilizers. In response, law enforcement urges vehicle owners to consider additional anti-theft measures, as the carmakers have implemented software updates to mitigate the issue, though many vulnerable vehicles remain unprotected.
The Boss 429 Mustang, a product of extensive modifications by Kar Kraft, was engineered to accommodate its powerful engine, resulting in a limited production run of 859 units for 1969. Today, while one example is listed for $410,000, its current auction bid stands at only $78,100, highlighting a stark contrast between the seller's expectations and the market's reality.
The Renault Twingo E-Tech pays homage to its 1990s predecessor with a stylish design and an affordable price point, making it an appealing choice for buyers in Europe. Alongside its launch, Renault has introduced a quirky range of branded merchandise, including a high-priced pinball machine and a surfboard, which raises questions about the target audience for such items.
A limited-edition Ferrari SF90 XX recently sold for $1.7 million, reflecting a significant increase from its original price of $981,147 just a year prior. This road-legal variant, available in both Stradale and Spider forms, features a twin-turbo V8 paired with electric motors, delivering a total of 1,016 horsepower, alongside advanced aerodynamics and striking design elements.
Japan's government is contemplating stricter regulations on drifting on public roads, potentially categorizing it as dangerous driving due to serious incidents linked to the practice. This proposed legal shift aims to impose more severe penalties for drifting-related accidents, while some online voices advocate for exceptions in cases of unintentional tire slips or drifting on private tracks.
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!