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Verstappen Data Breached in FIA Hack
Andrew Evans
October 23, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Rolls-Royce Phantom Century celebrates 100 years of the name
Lightning McQueen’s aerodynamics analyzed with CFD
Porsche Carrera World Cup returns for 2026, in Barcelona
BYD takes on Japan with an all-electric kei car
Record-breaking Yangwang U9 Xtreme rumored for Gran Turismo 7 inclusion
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary Private Collection celebrates a century of the iconic nameplate with an exclusive run of just 25 units, each adorned with luxurious features including a two-tone finish and extensive gold accents. Inside, the vehicle boasts an intricately designed cabin that pays homage to its heritage, complete with custom fabrics, illuminated artwork, and detailed woodwork that highlights significant journeys in the Phantom's history.
BYD is preparing to launch its first all-electric kei car, specifically designed for Japan's microcar segment, at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. This compact vehicle, equipped with a 20kWh battery offering a range of approximately 180km and a starting price around $17,000, marks a significant entry for a foreign manufacturer in a market traditionally dominated by local brands.
Following the recent Nurburgring lap record achievements of the Chevy Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X, Ford's CEO Jim Farley responded quickly to congratulate the Corvette team. However, a modified Ford Mustang GTD has been recently spotted on the track, featuring significant aerodynamic enhancements, although details regarding its internal modifications remain undisclosed.
General Motors is set to eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from all its vehicles, following a similar decision for its electric models earlier this year. CEO Mary Barra indicated that this shift aims to enhance the driving experience by minimizing distractions and promoting the use of integrated multimedia systems as they evolve.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and Stelvio crossover, both introduced a decade ago, will now remain in production until at least 2027, despite initial plans for their discontinuation. Recent announcements confirm the return of the high-performance Quadrifoglio variants, driven by ongoing consumer interest in internal combustion engines amidst a shifting automotive landscape.
Chery has introduced the T1TP concept, a versatile vehicle that can transform into a seven-seat SUV, a double-cab pickup, or a camper, catering to various family needs. Set to enter production by 2026, this model features a unibody chassis and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, promising an impressive driving range and innovative design elements.
In recognition of the legendary golfer Gary Player's 90th birthday, BMW Group South Africa has introduced a special edition of its M760e xDrive sedan, crafted through its bespoke Individual Manufaktur program. This unique vehicle, which features design elements inspired by Player's career and personal style, will be auctioned to benefit the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School, ensuring that its legacy extends beyond the automotive realm.
European leaders and over 75 civil society groups have expressed concerns in a recent letter urging the EU to reconsider a trade agreement that would allow the acceptance of lower US vehicle safety and pollution standards. They argue that this shift could jeopardize road safety, public health, and jobs within the EU, as it may lead to an influx of larger American vehicles that do not align with European safety regulations and environmental goals.
MOTORSPORT
A recent security incident revealed that hackers gained temporary access to sensitive information of numerous racing drivers, including Max Verstappen, due to a vulnerability in the FIA's driver categorization portal. The FIA has since taken immediate action to enhance data protection and has informed the affected individuals while ensuring no other digital platforms were compromised.
The upcoming Porsche Carrera World Cup is set to take place at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from March 5-8, nearly 15 years after its first edition at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. This event will gather competitors from various national and regional Carrera Cups, with a focus on the Type-991.2 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, as they engage in a series of races designed to highlight the vibrant Porsche motorsport community.
Oliver Bearman expressed concern about potentially facing a race ban after receiving a 10-second penalty for leaving the track during a recent sprint race. Although he currently holds the highest number of penalty points in Formula 1, he is set to lose two points before the next event, allowing him to compete with a bit more freedom.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff reaffirmed that Kimi Antonelli has encountered significant challenges during his inaugural season in Formula 1. Despite a tough year for the young driver, Wolff expressed unwavering confidence in Antonelli's abilities and the decision to keep him alongside George Russell for the upcoming season.
Lewis Hamilton is focused on supporting Ferrari in its quest for second place in the constructors' championship, viewing it as a positive conclusion to a challenging season. After moving from Mercedes to Ferrari at the beginning of the year, Hamilton is still in search of his first podium finish with the team.
Jack Doohan's aspirations for a return to Formula 1 with Alpine have been dashed, as the opportunity for him to participate in the last three races of the season has been eliminated. Despite securing financial backing to potentially reclaim his seat, Alpine has opted to continue with Franco Colapinto, who has struggled but remains under contract, leaving Doohan's future uncertain as he explores options with other teams.
Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, concurs with Max Verstappen's perspective that the upcoming 2026 regulations, while significant, will still allow for some continuity from the current season. Despite the major changes to the technical framework, Mekies emphasizes that the team's existing knowledge and methodologies will play a crucial role in its approach to developing the new car.
Laurin Heinrich, the 2025 IMSA GTD PRO champion, is set to make his debut in the FIA WEC Hypercar category at the upcoming season finale in Bahrain, driving for Porsche Penske Motorsport. He will join teammates Mathieu Jaminet and Julien Andlauer in the No. 5 car, filling in for Michael Christensen, who is absent due to IMSA commitments.
Elfyn Evans maintains a cautious outlook despite leading the World Rally Championship by 13 points as the season approaches its conclusion, aiming for his first title. Following a strong performance at the Central European Rally, where he secured second place, Evans acknowledges the competitive nature of the remaining events and emphasizes the importance of staying focused as he prepares for the final two rounds.
CURIOSITIES
RFK Racing, known for its association with Brad Keselowski in NASCAR, conducted an aerodynamic study on the fictional character Lightning McQueen from the animated film Cars. Aerodynamics engineer Seth Dillard explained how Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was applied to evaluate the airflow around McQueen, noting that his mouth could influence aerodynamic performance in a unique way based on his expressions.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme supercar has hit headlines for recent record-setting achievements, and is subject to rumors that it is about to be added to Gran Turismo 7. This speculation comes courtesy of images of the vehicle bearing logos for the game following its notable lap time at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, while Gran Turismo's creator is also currently promoting the official launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro in China.
A modified BMW M2 boasting significant power upgrades has been filmed sliding around BMW’s Munich factory in a special promotional video. The car was developed for upcoming competition drifting by the Red Bull Driftbrothers, who has also teamed up with BMW M Academy to create drift cars to allow beginners to learn how to control slides.
Kia has introduced a unique air freshener designed for electric vehicle owners who miss the aroma of gasoline, featuring a blend of scents reminiscent of traditional motoring. This product, launched in Finland alongside the EV4, aims to ease the emotional transition from combustion engines to electric vehicles by evoking nostalgic memories associated with driving.
A 1FZ-FE engine, renowned for its durability and off-road performance in the 80-Series Land Cruiser, has revealed remarkable resilience during a teardown of a high-mileage unit. The teardown showed mostly reusable components despite some wear after 343,000 miles, allowing the engine to potentially outlast the vehicle itself with regular maintenance.
The BMW Skytop, a limited-edition model featuring a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine, has begun deliveries, with the first unit going to Italian racing driver Andrea Levy. Following its initial reveal as a concept model, the Skytop quickly garnered interest when a limited production run was revealed, leading to all 50 units rapidly being reserved.
Homologation rally cars have a storied reputation, with iconic models like the Audi Sport Quattro and Lancia Delta Integrale often celebrated for their performance and legacy. Among these, the 1992 Mazda 323 GT-R, a rare three-door with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, has largely remained under the radar, as shown by one example that currently sits at just £2,100 on an auction site.
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