The World Rally Championship (WRC) is set to remove hybrid engines from Rally1 cars starting in 2025, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions from drivers across the series. This move follows a vote by the FIA World Motor Sport Council earlier this month, which approved the decision to phase out the 100kW hybrid engines that have been a part of the regulations since 2022.
Key Changes:
The hybrid systems, which were introduced as a means to modernize the sport and reduce its carbon footprint, will no longer be part of the Rally1 cars. To offset the loss of power, the minimum weight of the cars will be reduced from 1,260 kg to 1,180 kg, while the air restrictors will be reduced from 36mm to 35mm. This adjustment is aimed at maintaining a similar power-to-weight ratio, with 380 horsepower expected from the new engine setup. The changes come as part of an effort to streamline costs and improve reliability, with Compact Dynamics, the supplier of the hybrid systems, having signed a contract extension for the 2025-2026 seasons. However, it became clear that the hybrid systems have faced significant maintenance and reliability issues, which led to the decision to remove them from the cars.
Johannes Kloetzl, CEO of Compact Dynamics, addressed these concerns, acknowledging that the costs for teams had become a burden but emphasizing that safety must always take precedence over financial considerations.
Drivers’ Reactions:
Support for the Removal of Hybrid:
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Andreas Mikkelsen, a key driver for Hyundai, is one of the most vocal supporters of the decision to remove hybrid technology from the Rally1 cars. Mikkelsen, who experienced the hybrid systems firsthand in the current season, believes the decision is 100% correct. He pointed out the many issues teams have faced with the hybrid systems, which have added significant costs and frustration. Mikkelsen stated, “We should have hybrid technology, but it needs to work, and right now, it’s just a massive cost.” For him, the lack of reliability in hybrid systems has made them more of a hindrance than a benefit.
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Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota) shares a more balanced view. While he expressed some disappointment about losing the additional horsepower that comes with the hybrid system, he sees the cost-saving benefits of eliminating the hybrid engines, especially as it could attract younger drivers into the sport. Katsuta believes this decision could help reduce financial pressures on teams and create opportunities for more drivers to compete in the top-tier events.
Opposition to Hybrid Removal:
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Sébastien Ogier, an eight-time World Champion, is firmly opposed to the removal of hybrid technology. Ogier argues that stopping the hybrid development midway through the plan will harm the sport’s image. He feels that the hybrid system was an essential part of WRC’s future and that discontinuing it is a missed opportunity for innovation. Ogier has been vocal about the need for technological improvements in the sport to make it more appealing to manufacturers and fans. He insists that hybrid power should still be a key part of the championship, even if improvements are needed for it to work seamlessly. Ogier’s stance reflects his belief that innovation is crucial for keeping WRC relevant in a world that is rapidly transitioning to more sustainable technologies.
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Adrien Fourmaux (M-Sport), another prominent driver, also opposes the removal, arguing that hybrid technology has its place in the sport. Although he acknowledged the frustrations over reliability issues, Fourmaux believes that the hybrid system offers significant performance benefits, especially in certain conditions. He pointed out that hybrid cars are increasingly common in everyday vehicles, even in high-performance brands like Ferrari, and that it’s important for WRC to embrace modern technology.
Neutral or Mixed Views:
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Sami Pajari, the WRC2 champion, and Ott Tänak, the 2019 World Champion, expressed more neutral views. Pajari, who will transition to the Rally1 class in 2025, believes that while the hybrid system offers some advantages, it is not indispensable for performance. He said, “You can still drive fast without it, so I’m not sure what the right decision is, but I’m ready to adapt.”
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Elfyn Evans, another prominent driver, was surprised by the timing of the decision but is optimistic that the cars will still perform well despite the loss of hybrid power. He emphasized that the weight reduction would likely compensate for the power drop, and he remains hopeful that the sport will adjust to the changes in a positive way.
