Hyundai has officially denied plans to enter Formula 1 (F1), despite growing rumors surrounding a potential acquisition of the Alpine F1 team. On July 6, several international media outlets reported that Hyundai was eyeing the struggling Alpine team, currently owned by Renault Group. Speculation intensified after the resignation of Renault CEO Luca de Meo, which may open the door for new management to consider selling the underperforming Alpine outfit.
Further fueling rumors, Hyundai shared a conceptual F1 car image last month featuring its “Hyundai Mobility” branding alongside a cryptic caption: “What if?” The social media post was quickly deleted, leading many to believe that it hinted at a potential F1 entry.
However, Cyril Abiteboul, Director of Hyundai Motorsport and Genesis Magma Racing, has definitively shut down the speculation. “There is no Formula 1 project. Our focus is solely on the World Rally Championship (WRC) and the World Endurance Championship (WEC),” he said. “The Korean marketing team’s post was just to draw attention and has since been removed. That clearly shows nothing is planned.”
Why Hyundai’s F1 Entry Seems Unlikely — For Now
Industry insiders remain skeptical of Hyundai entering F1 anytime soon, even if the company does acquire the Alpine team. Formula 1 has a high barrier to entry, requiring not only vast financial resources but also expertise in developing both the chassis and the power unit. Only a few manufacturers like Ferrari and Mercedes manage both internally.
Alpine plans to stop producing its own engines by 2026 and instead adopt Mercedes power units. If Hyundai were to purchase the team, it would rely on external technology, possibly compromising brand identity in motorsports.
Despite this, an F1 presence could offer strategic advantages, such as:
- Strengthening brand image in global motorsport
- Accelerating high-performance vehicle development
- Boosting visibility in key international markets, especially Europe and North America
Hyundai’s Focus Remains on WRC and WEC
Hyundai has a solid presence in motorsports through its World Rally Championship (WRC) team. Since rejoining in 2014, the team has competed for 11 consecutive years. The brand had a brief F1 stint from 2000 to 2003 but failed to make a lasting impact.
Looking ahead, Hyundai plans to make a major leap in endurance racing. In 2026, the Genesis Magma Racing Team will debut in the top-tier World Endurance Championship (WEC) class with the all-new GMR-001 race car, marking a new chapter in the company’s motorsport ambitions.
Source: Mobility Post
