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Red Bull "Regret" After Antonelli Targeted by Trolls
Andrew Evans
December 01, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Koenigsegg suggests more accessible cars are coming
Gran Turismo 7’s big Spec III update lands this week
WRC Saudi Arabia's “too extreme” conditions
China's hardcore Mercedes G-Wagon rival
Off-road legends to feature in new Petersen exhibit
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Koenigsegg is exploring the possibility of introducing more accessible supercars with increased production numbers, moving away from its exclusive hypercar roots. The appointment of Mofid Elkemiri as chief manufacturing officer signals a strategic shift for the brand as it seeks to balance its unique craftsmanship with a broader market appeal.
The BAIC BJ81 is poised to be the brand's most rugged SUV, engineered from the ground up for serious off-road performance and military applications. Set for a full reveal in August 2026, this vehicle emphasizes functionality over luxury, featuring robust specifications and a design reminiscent of classic military models.
General Motors is committing $550 million to enhance production capabilities at its Ohio and Michigan facilities, focusing on gas-powered vehicles as part of a broader $5.5 billion initiative. This funding will facilitate technological upgrades and workforce development, ensuring the company can meet rising demand for its popular SUVs and trucks.
The Spartan is an Australian track car featuring a lightweight design and a 400hp supercharged Honda engine, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds. With production capped at 300 units, this vehicle combines a minimalist aesthetic with high performance, appealing to enthusiasts seeking an alternative to more mainstream options.
By 2030, Alpine plans to introduce two convertible models, including electric versions of its next-generation A110 sports car and a new fastback GT designed to compete with the Porsche 911. The brand is also developing a lineup of seven all-electric vehicles, with the upcoming A110 and a potential A310 GT expected to feature a modern design and advanced technology, including in-wheel motors.
Genesis is set to redefine its brand identity over the next decade with the introduction of Magma variants across its entire lineup, including electric vehicles and SUVs. This initiative aims to enhance luxury performance by integrating advanced electrified technology and motorsports elements, positioning Genesis to compete more effectively with established European luxury brands.
Kia has introduced its upcoming compact SUV, the Seltos, which may debut in the UK in 2026 as a combustion-engine counterpart to the all-electric EV3. This second-generation model aims to enhance Kia's global presence in the crossover market, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen T-Roc and MINI Countryman, while featuring design elements reminiscent of the brand's existing lineup.
A recent investigation by German researchers assessed the electromagnetic radiation exposure in electric vehicles, revealing that the levels encountered by drivers and passengers are comparable to those in traditional cars. The study, which involved testing multiple electric and hybrid models, indicated that even during charging and operation, the radiation levels remained well within safe limits.
Recent incidents involving electric vehicles highlight potential vulnerabilities in their design, particularly concerning wiring systems. In one case, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 suffered significant electrical failures after a minor water spill, leading to denied warranty and insurance claims, which raised concerns about the placement of critical components in relation to everyday hazards.
MOTORSPORT
Red Bull has expressed regret over remarks made by team personnel during the Qatar Grand Prix that resulted in Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli facing severe online harassment, including death threats. The team acknowledged that Antonelli's loss of position to Lando Norris was due to a momentary loss of control rather than a deliberate act, while a Mercedes representative noted that Max Verstappen's race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase had apologized to team principal Toto Wolff following the incident.
Drivers in the World Rally Championship have commented that while Rally Saudi Arabia presents distinct challenges worthy of inclusion in the calendar, its extreme conditions are unsuitable for determining the championship title. Although the inaugural event in Jeddah presented a dramatic landscape and tested competitors, concerns arose over the high rate of tyre failures, prompting calls for adjustments to the rally's timing and course preparation.
The Mercedes Formula 1 team plans to report online harassment aimed at Kimi Antonelli to the FIA following his error during the Qatar Grand Prix, which allowed Lando Norris to gain a position. In response to the backlash, which included numerous threatening messages, Mercedes is taking action as part of the FIA’s initiative against online abuse, while also rejecting accusations from Red Bull's Helmut Marko that Antonelli intentionally let Norris pass.
Hannah Schmitz, Red Bull's lead strategy engineer, detailed how her team's strategic decisions led to Max Verstappen's success in Qatar, particularly highlighting McLaren's struggles with their dual-driver approach. The early safety car incident disrupted McLaren's race plan, allowing Verstappen to capitalize on the situation and secure his 70th career victory.
McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, acknowledged that the squad miscalculated its strategy during the Qatar Grand Prix, particularly in deciding against pitting either driver during a safety car period, and he announced plans for an internal review to analyze this decision. Despite a strong start to the race, where Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris began from the front row, failure to adapt to events ultimately cost the drivers the opportunity to secure a victory against Max Verstappen.
Charles Leclerc expressed that the highlight of his performance at the Qatar Grand Prix was monitoring the championship points among Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Max Verstappen, despite struggling with his own race. While Leclerc finished eighth and his teammate Lewis Hamilton placed twelfth, he reflected on the intense competition ahead, wishing he could be more involved in the title fight as the season concludes in Abu Dhabi.
Red Bull's negotiations with Honda for an engine agreement for testing previous cars may offer Yuki Tsunoda a chance to remain connected to Formula 1, despite the likelihood of him losing his race seat for 2026. As Red Bull prepares to implement its own power unit alongside Ford, it’s likely that Honda-backed Tsunoda will lose his seat to Isack Hadjar, with Arvid Lindblad stepping up to Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson.
Leonardo Fornaroli has secured the Formula 2 championship at the Qatar Grand Prix, marking his second consecutive title after winning in Formula 3 the previous year. Starting from pole position, he maintained a significant lead in the standings, ultimately finishing second in the race, which solidified his dominance ahead of the final event in Abu Dhabi.
CURIOSITIES
The anticipated Spec III update for Gran Turismo 7 is set to launch in the first week of December, confirming earlier expectations. This update will introduce two new circuits, several new vehicles, and a range of features, including a lap data logger and changes to the game's invitation system, while also marking the arrival of the first paid DLC, the Power Pack.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is set to launch an exhibit titled "Legends of the Dirt" on December 7, highlighting iconic off-road racing vehicles, including a historic Baja-winning Bronco and a remarkable Suzuki hatchback. This display marks the museum's first major focus on off-road racing, featuring a diverse range of vehicles from various prestigious competitions, alongside educational exhibits on off-road technology.
The 2019 Ford GT, drawing inspiration from the iconic GT40, is a high-performance supercar with only nine miles on the odometer and a host of premium features, currently attracting significant bids. Given its unique configuration and minimal usage, this vehicle could potentially fetch over $800,000 at auction, reflecting its status as a coveted collector's item.
A rare 1914 Detroit Electric, one of 13,000 produced by the Anderson Electric Car Company between 1907 and 1939, underwent a cleaning process to preserve its historical integrity. The car features original components, with the exception of its tires, including documents and discarded items from the era, and is set to receive modern battery upgrades to allow it to operate once more.
The original 1972 BMW 3.0 CSL Werks development car is being offered in a classified listing, with the car currently owned by a private individual and benefitting from a recent restoration. Built by the M division as its first ever project, the car was also used to develop the “Batmobile” kit and had appeared at notable events since restoration.
A unique replica of a Nissan GT-R constructed on a Ford Cougar platform is available through a classified listing in Croatia, with the vehicle sporting significant modifications to achieve its exotic appearance. Despite its looks, the car is powered by a modest V6 engine and manual transmission, offering quite a bit less performance than the model it emulates.
A significant multi-vehicle accident occurred on Interstate 70 near Terre Haute, Indiana, involving 45 vehicles due to icy conditions, yet fortunately, no serious injuries were reported. The Riley Fire Department described the incident as their largest response to a crash, with emergency crews working for nearly six hours to clear the scene.
An example of the Nissan Pulsar GTI-R, a rally-inspired variant of the more mundane Sunny hatchback developed to compete in the World Rally Championship, is available in a classified ad. Featuring significant enhancements like all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, the car achieved limited success in official competitions, but its striking design and spirited performance have made it a sought-after model among collectors, with well-maintained examples commanding impressive prices in today's market.
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