Earlier this year, the FIA’s WRC working group suggested that radical changes could be introduced as soon as the 2025 season. The most drastic proposal was to eliminate hybrid units.
However, the plan was later scrapped this season, with the FIA deciding that the current regulations would remain until the end of the current homologation period in 2026.
Then the uncertainty resumed. Recently, talks have resurfaced about potentially removing hybrid units, with the possibility that next year’s Rally1 cars might no longer feature them.
Toyota’s veteran and eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier hasn’t been pleased with these ongoing discussions.
“I don’t know, I think it’s a difficult question to answer on my side,” Ogier said.
“It feels strange to have such a last-minute change now, if it happens,” he added.
With next season just around the corner, making such a significant change now would undoubtedly be a peculiar decision.
“Honestly, next year is tomorrow, and I don’t think it’s right or normal to make a last-minute change like this because the teams have very little time to react,” Ogier noted.
All manufacturers are committed to the current regulations. Preparing for new rules can’t happen overnight; a proper transition requires time.
“I don’t really understand this change, especially as, you know, there have been a lot of developments made in this direction. And now that means we’ll need to throw that all away. So, it’s a strange last-minute change,” Ogier concluded.
