Jun.28 (GMM) Former F1 team boss Cyril Abiteboul has played down wild rumours linking Hyundai with Formula 1.
Once boss of Renault’s works Formula 1 team, Frenchman Abiteboul now heads Hyundai Motorsport.
And the Korean carmaker caused a huge stir in the motorsport world on Friday with a social media post featuring a Formula 1 car with “What If?” on the rear wing.
“Get ready for the ride,” read part of the caption on the post, which was later deleted.
The rumour mill, however, was already in top gear, with some linking the post with recent statements made by Otmar Szafnauer about a potential bid for F1’s vacant twelfth team entry spot.
Speaking at Rally Greece, with Abiteboul overseeing Hyundai’s world rally team, the 47-year-old insisted: “I think there was a clumsy post from the marketing team in Korea.
“They wanted to create a buzz, and it worked,” Abiteboul told France’s Auto Hebdo.
“It has since been removed, which shows there is nothing behind it. There is no F1 project. We already have a lot to do with our two programs. We remain focused on that.”
Indeed, alongside its current world rally project, Hyundai is currently preparing a top-tier ‘hypercar’ prototype to contest the WEC and Le Mans from 2026.
When the Hyundai-to-F1 rumour spread around the Rally Greece paddock, Abiteboul also fielded questions from the international media.
“Perhaps in the long term,” he said when asked if the carmaker really might enter a Formula 1 team. “But not at all in the short term.
“Our only chance would be to enter the market in 2031. Take Audi as an example – they decided in 2021 to enter the market in 2026.
“Formula 1 is a different world,” Abiteboul added. “We can’t come as a sponsor as we have no interest in paying other people’s bills – that’s not our style.
“The other option would be to come in with our own technology.”
Interestingly, with Renault having announced the end of its works F1 engine project, recent rumours suggested that Abiteboul had gone shopping at Viry-Chatillon for motorsport engineers.
Hyundai has also been linked with Formula E.
“The Formula E technological roadmap is interesting,” Abiteboul admits. “However, I observe that it is a championship that is struggling to break through a glass ceiling in terms of audience and popularity among fans.
“We will continue to study this possibility,” he said.
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES