Guess who’s back? Bakkerud is back on top with first victory in four years after Hungarian masterclass.

Podium celebrations in Hungary.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championship

“Guess who’s back, Bakker again…” Under the searing heat of Hungary’s legendary ‘Red Cauldron’, through wheel-banging battles, strategic chaos, and sudden rain showers, Andreas Bakkerud delivered a dominant performance at the Kárai Trans Euro RX of Hungary. 

Arriving at the second round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship, determined to rebound from a frustrating season-opener in Latvia, where a podium challenge slipped away, the Norwegian fought off Johan Kristoffersson and a stacked Euro RX1 field to claim his first victory since Hell in 2022. 

From the moment practice began on Saturday morning, the stage was set for another chapter in rallycross’ modern great rivalry. Bakkerud topped FP1, Kristoffersson responded in FP2, and the pair traded fastest times by milliseconds around one of the championship’s most punishing circuits, Nyirád.

The Norwegian struck first, dominating, whilst his rival, Kristoffersson, who was already battling sluggish starts in Latvia, continued to haunt him throughout the weekend.

But despite the nightmare start, the eight-time World Rallycross champion hit back in Q2. Their first direct duel of the weekend quickly escalated into one of the standout races of the season so far, Kristoffersson edging Bakkerud by just 0.334s in a fierce battle that neither driver was willing to yield.

As rain rolled over Nyirád ahead of Q3, the circuit transformed from hot and dusty into a greasy survival test. Kristoffersson again bogged down at the start, leaving Bakkerud to aggressively defend into Turn One. At the same time, KMS opted to roll the dice early with joker laps for both Ole Christian Veiby and Kristoffersson.

Bakkerud and his SET Promotion supported stablemates, Joni Turpeinen and Juha Rytkönen, who had perfect launches. Turpeinen jokered first from the lead, Rytkönen followed shortly afterwards, whilst Bakkerud delayed his joker until the final lap. The strategy paid off perfectly, allowing the Norwegian to emerge crucially ahead of Kristoffersson and secure the overnight top qualifier spot.

“It feels good. It’s always brilliant to race against Johan. He’s such a strong driver and hardly ever puts a foot wrong, so you can never hold anything back against him,” Bakkerud said. 

By Sunday morning, teams had a better understanding of how to extract more performance; however, Bakkerud’s momentum only intensified.

He narrowly beat Kristoffersson to the Top Qualifier spot in Q4 before controlling both his Quarter-Final and Semi-Final from lights-to-flag, earning pole position for the all-important Final.

The EuroRX of Hungary final.

Source: TheRedsRX

And inevitably, alongside him on the front row was Kristoffersson. When the lights went out, the pair launched evenly, but Bakkerud held the inside line into Turn One and refused to surrender it. As he edged Kristoffersson wide, the closely following SET Promotion pair of Turpeinen and Rytkönen sensed opportunity. What followed was the defining moment of the weekend.

As the field compressed into the tight left-hander, slight contact pitched Kristoffersson into the outside tyre wall, dropping the reigning world champion to the back of the field and effectively ending his challenge for a podium spot.

Up front, the Bergen Motorsport Evolution by SET Promotion driver escaped the chaos unscathed. Rytkönen applied pressure throughout the race, but the outcome rarely looked in doubt. Bakkerud controlled the pace, set the fastest lap, and crossed the finish line just over one-and-a-half seconds clear.

After climbing from his ex-Ken Block Ford Fiesta, Bakkerud fought back tears as he reflected on his return to the top step of the podium.

“This means the world,” he said. “We fight hard, and I'm not meaning to stand here crying, but it means a lot. It was good. It's not often you get the chance to go door-to-door next to an eight-time world champion, and Johan is such a beast. He's such a character, such a driver. So, I mean, we come here with a car painter, a ventilation guy, a sticker guy. We do a good job.”

“We were the top qualifier as well. First, the semi-finals, pole in the final. The last time I was pole, was Barcelona 2021 with GCK. So, it's been forever. It's been many years. Tough time in America, coming back here, racing, starting a new chapter, and all the field of sport is back supporting us,” an emotional Bakkerud said. 

Side-by-side heading into turn one. 
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championship

Behind him, Rytkönen completed a memorable one-two for the SET Promotion-supported Fiesta package, while 17-year-old Turpeinen continued his remarkable start to the season with a second consecutive podium finish.

The Finnish teenager had been one of the revelations of Saturday, overcoming gearbox issues in Q1 before consistently challenging the established stars throughout qualifying. His third-place finish leaves him firmly in the championship conversation after two rounds.

“Three SET Promotion drivers on the podium – it’s crazy! I absolutely didn’t expect to have such a successful start to the season,” Turpeinen said. “It was quite chaotic in Turn One in the Final – everyone was flying everywhere like rockets, but I was able to stay clean on the inside line, and it was good to finish third again. My tyres were completely gone by the end of the weekend, but we’ll have good ones for Höljes!”

Ole Christian Veiby climbed to fourth despite spending much of the weekend recovering from a broken gear lever that cost him valuable time in Q1, with team-mate Kristoffersson recovered to fifth after his opening-corner drama.

“We're done here in Hungary. Started off with qualifying four, which put us second overall, and managed to win our quarter-final and semi-final. Started from the outside of the final. I had a good start, which was really promising, but then I was just too wide and going into turn one. And yeah, with all the loose gravel on the outside there, I lost it going into the wall and had a spin. So, lost a lot of time there, but managed to get one position back and ended up P4 overall. So, we scored enough points for second overall in the championship, one point behind Bakkerud. It was a fun weekend in Hungary. It's a proper rallycross track, so I really enjoyed the fight,” the eight-time champion said. 

A sixth-place finish may not seem impressive to some, but Casper Jansson truly demonstrated a very mature and strong performance throughout the weekend. The young Swede is a definite driver to watch in the coming events, having unlocked more pace from his Peugeot 208 with assistance from 14-time European Rallycross ace Kenneth Hansen. 

Elsewhere, Patrick O'Donovan demonstrated both his speed and aggression despite suffering accidents on consecutive days, Fabien Pailler rebounded strongly from a nightmare season-opener in Latvia, where he was plagued by engine issues, whilst home hero Andor Trepák showed flashes of genuine front-running pace before narrowly missing out on a place in the final.

O’Donovan, a former EuroRX Champion, did not mince his words when reflecting on the weekend and an incident with Ole Christian Veiby in the semi-finals, as he explains: “heartbreak for myself. I did the hard work. And I mean, we beat OC in the quarterfinal. And then into the semi, I beat him out of the joker. I couldn't have gone any wider because I was on the absolute limit of where the grip is before you hit the marbles. And, I mean, he was completely off his line. If you go back to any other lap, he just drove out there with the intent to hit me. And you can see his car go sideways. You're telling me the best car in rallycross, if he doesn't want it to, isn't going to be going forward at that point. He's driven there to take me out. And I mean, yeah, it's a really bitter pill to swallow. And, I just hope we can get out for Holjes at this point, because at the moment, looking at the car in there, it's really unlikely.” 

It’s unfortunate for Team RX Racing and O’Donovan, with the clock well and truly ticking to repair his Peugeot 208. However, ultimately, Nyirád belonged to one man, Andreas Bakkerud, who reminded everyone that he still knows exactly how to beat the best in the business.

Whilst victory catapulted Bakkerud into the championship lead by a single point over Kristoffersson heading into the iconic Höljes ‘Magic Weekend’ in July, it’s evident that both teams and drivers will take a deep dive into their data in an attempt to unlock more pace, which truly sets the stage for an epic battle in the Värmland forest!

“The car doesn’t care how old you are”: Gianna Pascoal on life behind the wheel at 16

Gianna Pascoal out front in her WORR Motorsport MSA4 single-seater.
PHOTO CREDIT: Gianna Pascoal Instagram

Modern single-seater series place drivers under extreme physical and mental strain, with sustained G-forces, punishing cockpit temperatures, elevated heart rates, and energy expenditure comparable to elite endurance athletes.

At just 16 years old, South African Formula 4 [MSA4] driver Gianna Pascoal is already training to meet those demands.

“Life changes when you enter Formula racing and get behind the wheel of your first Formula 4 racer,” Pascoal explains. “The pressure is intense, and you have to make sure your mind and body are in top condition. The car doesn't care how old you are or who's driving it. You have to make sure you’re the absolute best you can be. That means living like you’re a pro driver off the grid as well.”

The physical demands are high. Pascoal is currently competing in F4 South Africa. At her current level, she’s facing peak lateral cornering acceleration of around 2.0 Gs - with the weight of the head and helmet, it’s like keeping your neck perfectly straight while having 13 kilograms strapped to it. That can go up to as high as 5.0 Gs when she reaches Formula 1 - or roughly 32 kilograms [MW1.1]- a load the muscles absorb hundreds of times across a race.

“It feels like someone’s constantly pulling on your head, but worse. In a race car, it feels a lot harsher because the force hits you while your whole body is strapped in, moving at speed, and you still have to steer, brake, and react in an instant,” she said. 

To prepare for that future, Pascoal's weeks resemble those of a seasoned professional: five or six gym sessions, daily neck and core conditioning, and long cardio sessions in the heat to prepare her for whatever a race weekend could throw at her.

Her diet is designed to handle both her training load and the simple fact that, at 16, she is still growing and has the occasional craving for a burger, fries, and milkshake. Sleep and hydration are treated as part of the performance plan, not afterthoughts. She’s doing all of this while still committing fully to high school.

Gianna's coach, WORR Motorsport founder Wesleigh Orr, says Pascoal’s physical and cognitive development already stands out against older competitors.

"The physical and cognitive markers we measure on Gianna are at a level we usually see in drivers four or five years older,” he said. “That's what you get when you take the sport as seriously as she does, and when you work as hard off the track as you do on it. She put in the work during her formative karting years, climbed to the top, and now we’re seeing her do the same as she gets accustomed to F4 South Africa driving."

One thing sets Gianna apart on the Formula 4 grid: she came to the sport from competitive springboard diving, where she had been in discussions about a junior Olympic placement before she committed to racing full-time.

“Diving teaches the body to keep perfect form under acceleration, hold a breath under load, find orientation mid-rotation, and execute precision movements in front of judges with no margin for error. While others grew up inside a kart - starting as young as five years old - I came to the sport later and learned exactly how rewarding it can be when you put everything in.”

Pascoal recently completed a high-performance training block in Manchester, where she underwent visual-scanning drills, reactive agility work, and advanced physical conditioning through a programme linked with specialists, including Hintsa Performance.

“It’s all pretty tough, but I love every moment of it,” she said. “It’s hard to explain just how exhilarating it is to drive these powerful racers, but also how fascinating I find everything that goes into it, like the engineering and the precision planning you need to have. Now, I can’t wait to get up in the morning to learn something new and improve my performance on the track.”

Her season continues with the National Extreme Festival at Zwartkops Raceway as part of her Investchem MSA4 campaign, followed by further testing in Gqeberha during early June.

Pascoal’s international development programme also continues through the More Than Equal Driver Development Programme, including planned Formula 4 testing at Circuito de Navarra in Spain, alongside additional performance profiling focused on physical conditioning, mental readiness, and long-term driver development.

Why the FIA’s push to make rallycross more affordable and accessible can’t come soon enough?

The 2026 FIA Euro RX1 grid for the season opener in Latvia. 
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championship

Since their inception, the European and World Rallycross Championships sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) have based their reputation on the short, sharp, and action-packed wheel-to-wheel racing. The dual-surface discipline championship attracted some of the biggest names in motorsport – from Sébastien Loeb and Ken Block to Mattias Ekström and Petter Solberg – while packed grids and unpredictable racing helped rallycross carve out a unique identity within global motorsport. Somewhere along the way, though, both championships lost sight of what made rallycross so appealing in the first place: the affordability and accessibility factor.

With a rich history dating back to 1976, the European Rallycross Championship excelled in its early years, growing from strength to strength and eventually attracting manufacturer involvement. The same can be said about the World Championship, which was formed in 2014. For a time, rallycross appeared to be thriving. However, that momentum quickly unravelled once conversations around electrification began to dominate the future of the World Rallycross Championship, ultimately leading manufacturers to pull the plug on their programmes.

WRC Promoter took over the management and promotion of the championship under Rallycross Promoter GmbH in 2021. More changes occurred when the championship was moved behind a broadcast paywall (Rally.TV), while the push toward electrification accelerated. Grid numbers steadily declined, with entry lists shrinking from nine cars to as few as six at times.

The introduction of the ‘Battle of Technologies’ – pitting electric and internal combustion-engined machinery against one another – brought moments of genuine excitement, but it failed to generate the sustained growth many had hoped for. 

Then came a bombshell: Rallycross Promoter formally withdrew as the championship's promoter, effective 2025.

Attempts were made to find a new promoter for the FIA-sanctioned rallycross championships, but none proved successful. Eventually, the FIA stepped in to take control of the discipline.

Eight-time World RX Champion Johan Kristoffersson leading into turn 1. 
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championship.

Now at the helm of rallycross, the governing body has made the bold decision to pause the World Championship, as it attempts to rebuild the category with the long-term goal of eventually reintroducing the World Rallycross Championship (World RX) in the future.

With World RX on hold, the FIA shifted its focus toward a more European-based structure, reinstating the FIA European Rallycross Championship as the discipline's top-tier category, alongside a separately sanctioned FIA Rallycross World Cup set to take place in Jakarta later in the year.

The aim is clear: rebuild rallycross and make it accessible and affordable again. And, for many within the paddock, this shift cannot come soon enough.

The clearest sign yet that the FIA understands the current model is unsustainable is the introduction of the new RX4 category for 2026. By allowing Rally4 machinery into rallycross competition and targeting car costs around €70,000, the FIA is openly acknowledging what fans, teams, and drivers have been saying for years – modern rallycross has become far too expensive.

Within the current Euro RX1 environment, teams are often forced into budgets that are completely unrealistic for emerging talent, privateers, and even experienced drivers without major financial backing.

The era of specialized Supercars, expensive development programmes, and the Battle of Technologies may have produced moments of utter brilliance, but it also hollowed out the grid. The issue is no longer about attracting audiences to rallycross. It is about keeping talented drivers in race cars. Fewer examples illustrate that reality better than Klara and Niels Andersson, who share no relation.  

Klara Andersson carrying out VBOX analysis for Rokas Baciuska.
PHOTO CREDIT: Klara Andersson

Klara established herself as one of rallycross’ brightest prospects after transitioning into the discipline from karting. Her breakthrough came with victory in the 2021 Swedish Rallycross Championship in the SM (Senior) 2150 category, before she further impressed with a fourth-place finish in the FIA RX2e Championship on debut just one year later.

In 2022, Andersson joined the Extreme E Championship and also signed with the Construction Equipment Dealer Team for the electric era of World RX. She scored podium finishes at the highest level and consistently demonstrated the pace to fight at the front.

Yet despite those achievements, Klara has still found herself battling to secure the funding required to compete in the Euro RX Championship.

“Yeah, it's a bit heartbreaking [not to be on the grid for Euro RX1], but I'm still here, still fighting for it. So, I hope to be back on the grid at some point this season,” Andersson said during the Euro RX of Latvia livestream.

Niels Andersson, another highly-rated Swedish talent, claimed numerous titles at both European and FIA junior rallycross levels; however, the rising cost of competing full-time forced him to shift his focus from driving to team management duties with reigning World Champions Kristoffersson Motorsport.

Niels Andersson running the operations of KMS in Extreme E.
PHOTO CREDIT Nils Andersson

When speaking to Andrew Coley during the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship season opener in Latvia, Andersson admitted he still hopes to return to racing.

“I do [miss it] so much. I still want to drive. I mean, I am looking for something to do,” he said.

The financial strain has not only impacted drivers. Teams have also felt the pressure. One of the clearest examples of this came in 2025, when Hansen Motorsport withdrew from the penultimate round of the World RX season, citing financial reasons. In a remarkable show of unity within the paddock, the CE Dealer Team stepped in to help support the operation. Rivals helping rivals highlighted the strength of the rallycross community – but it also exposed the severity of the situation.

Despite the support from the CE Dealer Team for the penultimate round, Hansen Motorsport required funding to compete at the final round of the season, which they were unable to secure, and thus withdrew from the final round of the championship. That in itself should concern everyone involved in the discipline because the Hansens' have raced in every World Championship round since its inception. 

When drivers with the résumés and the talent of Klara and Nils Andersson are still scrambling to secure funding to simply compete, then you know rallycross clearly has a serious problem. Motorsport will never be cheap, but rallycross was never meant to become an exclusive discipline reserved only for those with enormous budgets.

Its identity was built on accessibility, improvisation, and grassroots ingenuity. Fans fell in love with packed grids and unpredictable racing – not engineering arms races that reduced participation year after year.

To the FIA’s credit, the governing body’s new roadmap at least recognises that reality. Alongside RX4, they have introduced RX5, which has expanded the role of Cross Car machinery within the European Rallycross Championship ladder with the view to create more accessible pathways into the sport.

Niels Andersson, whose own career began in Cross Car competition, praised the changes. “So, I come from cross car as a background, which is a great school,” he explained. “I really like the addition this year that we introduced the RX5 category, because it’s a great school. I learnt the basics there and moved onto cars.”

The FIA’s long-term vision also includes aligning rallycross more closely with rallying, including sharing technical regulations with the World Rally Championship (WRC) from 2028 onwards.

The newly introduced RX4 category in action at the 2026 season opener in Latvia.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA Rallycross Championship.

There is clear logic behind that strategy. Rally4 cars already exist. Teams already own them. Drivers already understand them. Suddenly, rallycross becomes less about building bespoke machinery and more about simply going racing again. More importantly, it gives privateers a reason to believe they belong.

The rallycross community has been fairly positive about the changes brought forward by the FIA, largely because many recognize that without intervention, both World RX and Euro RX risked spiraling further toward irrelevance as grids continued to shrink.

Of course, affordability alone will not magically save rallycross. The FIA still requires stable promotion, stronger event consistency, manufacturer confidence, and a clearer development ladder for young talent. But lowering the financial barrier is the single most important starting point.

Because talent has never been the problem, the paddock remains full of drivers capable of producing incredible racing. Drivers like Klara Andersson, Niels Andersson, Viktor Vranckx, Niclas Grönholm, Reinis Nitišs, Janis Baumanis, and the Hansen brothers, who all should be on the grid full-time because of their abilities – not sidelined by sponsorship spreadsheets and seven-figure operating budgets.

Rallycross became great because it was attainable. The FIA finally seems ready to remember that. The only question that remains is: why did it take this long?

34 years and counting: Why Africa's F1 absence is no longer just a sporting issue.

Supplied: PR Worx

Formula 1's confirmed return to Türkiye from 2027 reopens an uncomfortable question for the sport: how can a championship aggressively pursuing new audiences and destination race weekends continue to overlook an entire continent?

With 54 internationally recognised countries against Europe's 44, more than double the population, and a fast-maturing professional racing scene, Africa remains the only inhabited continent without a Grand Prix.

"Türkiye's return is a welcome moment for the sport, and the five-year agreement shows the commercial appetite is there," says Wesleigh Orr, Founder and Head Coach of WORR Motorsport. "But it is getting harder and harder to ignore Africa's continued absence when you look at the sport's global ambitions. That's not just a sporting gap - it's a missed commercial and development opportunity."

Most of the pieces are already in place

South Africa has already proven it can deliver sport on a global scale. The 2010 FIFA World Cup attracted over 300,000 foreign tourists and contributed roughly R3.6 billion in direct spend - proof that the country can draw the crowds, handle the global spotlight, and leave a real economic mark long after the event.

The infrastructure is just as ready. Kyalami carries deep Formula 1 history, sits in Gauteng's economic hub, and has FIA-approved plans to upgrade to the Grade 1 standard required to host.

The bid has also had visible political support. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has been a vocal advocate for F1's return to South Africa and has personally pushed recent talks with Formula One Management.

"We're not starting from scratch," Orr said. "What we now need is for investors, government, and the circuit to come together, so the case becomes a calendar date."

The bigger prize is on the ground

For Orr, the conversation around F1's return to Africa cannot be limited to hosting rights alone. It must extend to how motorsport across the continent is structured, led, and funded.

"There is wealth in Africa. The issue is not whether the continent has capability or potential, because it absolutely does," Orr says. "The real question is whether enough investment and leadership are being directed toward long-term motorsport development and youth opportunity. For decades, Africa has watched Formula 1 grow globally while very few African drivers have been able to reach the highest level of the sport. That tells you the system is not functioning the way it should."

That picture is starting to shift. South African karting champion Gianna Pascoal enters the Investchem MSA Formula 4 Championship this season as the first African female driver in the series, while WORR Motorsport's continental expansion now includes a karting hub launching in Rwanda and grassroots events planned across the region.

WORR Motorsport is now in discussions with the FIA about uniting grassroots motorsport across the continent. A meeting of African motorsport stakeholders and FIA representatives is scheduled for 20 - 23 June in Macau, China, to discuss a shared plan for how the sport is run and how drivers move up, drawing on the European model. Rodrigo Ferreira Rocha, FIA Vice-President for Sport (Africa), has welcomed the direction, pointing to the opportunities that greater unity and structure could create for African drivers in the years ahead.

For Orr, the benefits wouldn't stop at the sport

"Formula 1 is not only about the race weekend itself. A Grand Prix creates inspiration, jobs, technical education, engineering pathways, tourism, sponsorship growth, and hope for an entire generation. We need leaders who understand how motorsport changes lives from the ground up, not only what happens at the top of the sport. If Africa wants to build future Formula 1 drivers, engineers, mechanics, and industry leaders, then the whole system must be built deliberately, and not left to chance.

"Africa is not waiting to be invited into the future of motorsport. It is already building it," Orr concludes. "The talent, the appetite, and the groundwork are all in place. The next chapter is about bringing the right partners together to deliver it. For the next generation, seeing Formula 1 on African soil is bigger than entertainment - it tells young people that they belong in the future of global motorsport too."

STORY SUPPLIED BY PR WORX

Bakkerud admits “we have a gap to catch” after Euro RX season opener.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA European Rallycross Championship

‘Today is a good day, because today is a race day.’ The phrase became synonymous with rallycross stalwart Andreas Bakkerud over the years. Across the opening round of the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship in Riga, those words once again rang true.

The iconic Biķernieki trase roared back into life as the Euro RX curtain-raiser delivered one of the most competitive rallycross entry lists in years, with fierce battles throughout the field, and the benchmark pace set by Kristoffersson Motorsport.

For Bakkerud, the weekend in Latvia ultimately ended with mixed emotions. Whilst he had incredible launches, he showed flashes of strong pace throughout the event. He remained firmly in contention across the knockout stages, but narrowly missed out on a podium finish after a dramatic final.

“The first race of the year is done and in the history books already. Pretty pumped that we managed to be here in Riga, very proud of that, but when it comes to the result, you always wish for more,” Bakkerud said. “We ended P4, won the quarter-final, second against Johan in the semi-final, started on the outside in the final, had a very, very good launch around the outside. Unfortunately, I would have been in the fence on the outer wall. Into turn one, there was a bit of a collision, so I lost a few positions. Then I caught up with the pack ahead, but then my tyres were done, so I had nothing more to come with.”

Despite missing out on a podium finish, Bakkerud’s pace throughout the weekend offered encouraging signs heading into the season. His driving style, tactics, and ability to attack in wheel-to-wheel combat remained evident, particularly during the knockout phases, where he managed to take victory in the quarter-final before fighting hard against the rallycross ‘benchmark’ Johan Kristoffersson in the semi-final.

Andreas Bakkerud entering turn 1 with Rokas Baciuska behind..
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA European Rallycross Championship

However, the opening round also highlighted the scale of the challenge facing the rest of the field.

Kristoffersson Motorsport, a last-minute entry for the opening round, arrived with formidable pace; however, their only Achilles heel proved to be their launches. Whilst Bakkerud and SET Promotion have estimated that KMS holds an advantage of roughly seven to nine tenths over their rivals, a sizeable margin in rallycross terms.

Closing that gap will become the primary focus for many ahead of the next round in Hungary; however, it remains to be seen whether Kristoffersson Motorsport will feature on the entry list.

“Anyway, the car is getting prepped for Hungary, which is in two weeks. Tomorrow, I start testing. We have a gap to catch,” Bakkerud said.

While fourth place may not have been the result Bakkerud had hoped for, Riga still demonstrated that the Norwegian and SET Promotion remain firmly in the fight. In a championship expected to feature some of the strongest competition seen in recent seasons, consistency and development across the year could prove just as important as outright speed.

As attention now turns to Hungary in two weeks. Teams and their drivers will take a deep dive into the data obtained in Riga, and test various solutions in a hunt to unlock some more pace. Will their hard work pay off in the pursuit of unlocking a few tenths? Find out soon, as all roads lead to Nyirád.

Kristoffersson leads 1-2 finish at EuroRX curtain raiser in Latvia.

PHOTO CREDIT: FIA European Rallycross Championship

Eight-time World RX champion Johan Kristoffersson opened his 2026 account with victory at the Biķernieki trase, as the FIA European Rallycross Championship roared back into life. His team-mate  Ole Christian Veiby helped secure Kristoffersson Motorsport, a 1-2 finish after a weekend defined by relentless qualifying battles, strategic joker laps, and no shortage of contact throughout the 30-car RX1 Supercar field.

While Kristoffersson ultimately delivered another trademark victory, the road to the top step was far from straightforward. Saturday’s qualifying sessions immediately established the tone for the season opener. Kristoffersson laid down an early marker in Q1, storming to the fastest time of the session, a 3:16.194, nearly two seconds clear of his team-mate Veiby, to secure maximum points.

But the reigning champion quickly found himself under pressure from a field determined not to hand KMS an easy return to Euro RX competition.

Q2 produced one of the standout moments of the weekend as 17-year-old Joni Turpeinen had an incredible launch, held his own against the KMS cars into Turn 1, taking control of the race ahead of Andreas Bakkerud. Kristoffersson dropped to the back of the pack before fighting his way back through traffic, eventually joining a dramatic three-wide joker merge with Turpeinen and Bakkerud, with the Volkswagen Polo driver ultimately finishing third.

The 30-car strong Euro RX1 field for Latvia.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA European Rallycross Championship

The third qualifying session also proved equally intense. Finn Juha Rytkönen elbowed his way to the front at the start and, alongside SET Promotion team-mate Turpeinen, repeatedly forced Kristoffersson onto the defensive with Andreas Bakkerud right behind. Heading into turn 4 on the opening lap, Veiby had an issue and blocked Kristoffersson, which opened the door for Bakkerud to slip up the inside and take third. The eight-time World Champion responded with an early joker strategy and recovered to finish second in the heat behind Rytkönen, ending Saturday on top of the overnight standings ahead of Bakkerud and Veiby.

For Bakkerud, the Latvian weekend marked an impressive return to full-time European Rallycross competition after nearly three years away. The Norwegian immediately reminded the paddock why he remains one of rallycross’ best and most entertaining drivers, producing superb launches throughout the weekend and repeatedly taking the fight to Kristoffersson.

The opening day alone featured intense wheel-to-wheel battles between Bakkerud and FIA World Rally-Raid Champion Rokas Baciuška, while Sunday’s knockout stages only increased the intensity.

Kristoffersson returned on Sunday, leading the standings, but Q4 again exposed KMS’ launch struggles. A poor getaway dropped the Swede down the order before an early joker lap allowed him to recover back to second place behind Rytkönen, securing the top qualifier spot. Behind him was Juha Rytkönen, who ended qualifying second overall, narrowly ahead of Bakkerud, with Veiby fourth and Turpeinen fifth heading into the quarter-finals.

The knockout stages delivered the kind of elbows-out rallycross that has long defined the dual-surfaced discipline.

In the quarter-finals, Kristoffersson again found himself under pressure from Turpeinen, who had yet another great launch and fended off the KMS driver into turn one, but as a result of the concertina effect, the Swede hit the rear left bumper, causing bodywork to rub against the tyre, but that did not slow the Finn at all. 

Behind them, local hero Jānis Baumanis suffered heartbreak after contact with Ollie O’Donovan in turn one, which saw the Latvian spin and ultimately park his Peugeot 208 WRX due to damage sustained in the contact. The FIA Stewards investigated the contact and later showed O’Donovan a black flag.

Opting for an alternative strategy, Kristoffersson jokered on lap four, and that was enough to leap ahead of Turpeinen to win the heat, but the young Finn’s pace continued to turn heads as the weekend progressed.

    Qualifying heats when KMS struggled with launches.
PHOTO CREDIT: FIA European Rallycross Championship

With the grids set for the semi-finals, the action turned up a notch, with teams deciding tactics, tyre strategies, and making minor tweaks to their cars' set-up, in an aim to beat the benchmark, Johan Kristoffersson. 

When speaking to Hal Ridge ahead of the semi-finals, Andreas Bakkerud said: “Lining up next to Johan is a big honour. So, I’m going to hopefully give him a challenge, and I am excited to see how this race will pan out, because like, there are quite a few good cars that could beat him off the line. And then manage the pace from there on. There is also going to be some tyre tactics to keep them for 6 laps. So yeah, it’s going to be interesting.”

The Norwegian added that: “We know that KMS is seven, eight, or nine tenths quicker than us on track. So, we need to be a little bit smarter if we want to beat them.”

Bakkerud had yet another superb launch in the first semi-final to lead into turn one ahead of Kristoffersson, and briefly looked capable of denying the Swede another victory, but Kristoffersson’s joker timing once again proved decisive. The pair emerged side-by-side at the joker merge with Kristoffersson narrowly edging ahead to claim another win.

In the second semi-final, Ole Christian Veiby finally had a great launch and took command after first-corner contact dropped Andor Trepák out of the race with damage, whilst Rytkönen and Patrick O’Donovan also progressed to the final. 

That set up a humdinger of a final featuring both KMS cars on the front row ahead of Rytkönen, Bakkerud, Turpeinen, and O’Donovan.

The question on everyone's lips heading into the final was, could anyone beat Johan Kristoffersson? The tension built as the cars lined up in their grid slots. As the lights went out, both KMS drivers produced the launch they needed as Bakkerud again had an excellent start, and attempted to sweep around the outside into Turn 1. But Veiby immediately covered the inside line and effectively boxed the Norwegian out, allowing Kristoffersson to escape at the front. Contact through the opening corners shuffled Bakkerud backwards, which also saw the Norwegian make contact with Juha Rytkönen, who was on the outside of turn 2, and ultimately parked his Hyundai i20 as a result of the damage.

Kristoffersson began to build an advantage at the front, but it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Swede due to a loss of radio communication with his spotter, forcing him to judge the joker strategy entirely from inside the cockpit.

Behind the Swede, team-mate Veiby delivered the perfect supporting drive, controlling the chasing pack and protecting the KMS advantage while Turpeinen, Bakkerud, and O’Donovan fought behind.

Kristoffersson eventually committed to his joker on lap five and rejoined comfortably ahead, sealing a controlled victory to begin the 2026 season perfectly. Veiby completed the KMS 1-2.

Joni Turpeinen resisted enormous pressure from SET Promotion stablemate Bakkerud in the closing laps to secure a sensational podium finish on his Euro RX debut, underlining his status as one of rallycross’ up-and-coming stars.

Bakkerud ultimately finished fourth, while O’Donovan completed the top five ahead of Rytkönen, who failed to finish

Kristoffersson Motorsport finished 1- 2 in Latvia.
PHOTO CREDIT Kristoffersson Motorsport/Wiebke Langebeck

For Kristoffersson, the Latvia weekend delivered the perfect statement — but the intensity of the competition also showed the rest of the field is far closer than many expected.

"We are very, very happy. I mean, we had a very tough weekend in terms of the launches, so we have been hunting those launches for the whole weekend. I think it's a big relief now after the final, finishing 1-2," Kristoffersson said after the final. "A huge thanks to the team. I mean, it was a late decision to come here, and a lot of sacrifices had to be made for people to come to work for us on such short notice. So, I am super happy to be here and very happy to deliver the result for the guys that they really deserve after preparing the car for us."

Veiby echoed the sentiment after securing second place, "I had hoped to give Johan a better fight in the final, but I got hit from behind so one rear wheel was crooked, and the exhaust pipe was compressed, but we still managed to secure the 1-2 for the team."

Meanwhile, Turpeinen admitted the scale of his debut podium had still not fully sunk in. “It feels unbelievable,” he said. “I don’t know how I managed to do it.”

With round one complete, the 2026 FIA European Rallycross Championship now heads to the iconic Nyirád circuit in Hungary at the end of May for yet another thrilling round; however, it remains to be seen whether Janis Baumanis and Kristoffersson Motorsport will join the field there.

Baumanis mentioned when speaking to Andrew Coley, lead commentator of Euro RX, that he may return for the French round later this year, whilst Tommy Kristoffersson, team principal of KMS, confirmed, “We will make a decision about it at the beginning of the week.” 

More Than A Race: How Formula 1's return could transform Africa's motorsport future.

Kyalami Grand Prix circuit. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Kyalami/PR Worx

The conversation around Formula 1’s return to Africa is shifting decisively. It is no longer only a question of whether South Africa can host a Grand Prix, but whether the country can move with enough urgency and alignment to secure an opportunity whose sporting, economic, and developmental value is becoming harder to ignore.

Momentum has accelerated over the past year. Kyalami’s proposed upgrade path to FIA Grade 1 status, the standard required to host Formula 1, was approved in June 2025, opening a formal route for the circuit to become eligible once the required works are completed. At the same time, global pressure for Formula 1 to return to Africa has continued to grow, including renewed public backing from Lewis Hamilton, who has repeatedly said he does not want to retire from the sport without racing on the African continent.

For Wesleigh Orr, founder and head coach of WORR Motorsport, the significance of this moment extends far beyond symbolism. 

“South Africa has already proven that it can host events of enormous scale and complexity under international scrutiny. The Formula 1 conversation should now be less about whether we are capable, and more about how the right public and private stakeholders align to make it happen,” Orr said.

South Africa’s ability to deliver major sporting events is well established. The 2010 FIFA World Cup remains a defining example, with 309,554 foreign tourists travelling to the country specifically for the tournament, generating more than R3 billion in direct tourist spend. Those are not abstract legacy figures. They are proof that premium global sport can translate into measurable tourism and hospitality returns for the country.

More recent events reinforce that case. The inaugural LIV Golf tournament at Steyn City generated an economic impact exceeding R800 million, according to South African Tourism, again highlighting the short-term value that high-profile international events can create across the tourism, hospitality, and transport sectors.

“Major international sport is not just about spectatorship,” Orr says. “It is a tourism driver, a destination-marketing platform, a catalyst for jobs, and a powerful signal to investors. South Africa has already demonstrated that it can capture value from world-class events. Formula 1 would take that to another level.”

While circuit readiness has long been framed as the central obstacle, that narrative has evolved. With FIA approval for Kyalami’s Grade 1 upgrade plans already secured, the discussion has shifted towards execution, timelines and stakeholder coordination rather than theoretical feasibility. South Africa, in practical terms, now has a defined pathway rather than a distant aspiration.

Beyond infrastructure and economics, Orr believes the broader impact lies in what a Formula 1 return would mean for the next generation of African drivers.

At present, many of the continent’s most promising drivers are forced to look abroad early if they want to pursue serious single-seater development. The reality is that elite motorsport opportunities are still concentrated outside Africa, making the pathway feel physically, financially, and psychologically distant for many young drivers and their families.

Africa has not hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix since 1993, when Kyalami last featured on the championship calendar, and it remains the only inhabited continent still absent from the Formula 1 calendar today.

“When Formula 1 only happens elsewhere, it can start to feel like the top of the sport belongs somewhere else,” says Orr. “The moment it returns to Africa, it becomes more real. It becomes visible, tangible, and believable for young drivers who need to see that this level of racing is not reserved for other parts of the world.”

That is especially important for South Africa’s own development pipeline. WORR Motorsport is already investing in structured coaching, training, and progression opportunities for young drivers. In that context, a Formula 1 event on African soil would do more than inspire. It would strengthen the credibility of the pathway being built around emerging talent and support the broader African motorsport ecosystem.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that when Formula 1 returns to Africa, African drivers are part of that story. That means sustained grassroots development, proper coaching structures, and competitive opportunities that help turn distant ambition into something practical and achievable,” he adds.

For Orr, the long-term opportunity extends beyond hosting a race. It lies in strengthening Africa’s presence across the sport — from drivers and engineers to technical operations and commercial partnerships.

“It is not only about bringing a race to South Africa,” he says. “It is about building an industry, creating opportunity, and helping more young Africans believe that Formula-level racing is something they can pursue from a place of real proximity, not only from afar.”

As momentum continues to build, South Africa’s Formula 1 case is becoming increasingly clear. The event-hosting track record exists, the circuit pathway is more defined than it has been in years, and global appetite for a race in Africa continues to grow. And, the developmental case for what such a race could unlock for the next generation of African talent is becoming increasingly compelling.

“The question is no longer whether the opportunity is meaningful. The question is whether we are prepared to execute. Because this is bigger than one race. It is about economic value, global visibility, and changing Formula racing in Africa from a distant dream into a more tangible future,” Orr concluded.

Supplied By: PR WORX

Edited: Slipstream SA

WORR Motorsport aims to rebuild Africa's pathway to Formula 1 with bold initiative.

Image Supplied: WORR Motorsport

Africa has not produced a Formula 1 driver in more than four decades. Now, South African motorsport development organisation WORR Motorsport is working to change that through a structured development system designed to elevate African talent from grassroots karting onto the international single-seater racing ladder.

The last African to compete in Formula 1 was Jody Scheckter, the 1979 World Champion, who retired from the sport at the 1980 Italian Grand Prix. In the decades since, champions have emerged from across Europe and South America, but none from Africa - a continent of 1.4 billion people with a well-documented culture of competitive sport.

According to WORR Motorsport founder Wesleigh Orr, the absence has never been due to a lack of talent. Instead, he says the sport has lacked credible development structures to identify promising drivers, develop their skills, and progress them toward the Formula 1 grid.

In response, the organisation has implemented a continent-wide programme designed to address the financial and infrastructural barriers that have historically kept African drivers out of the sport's highest levels. A key part of its strategy is a new manufacturing partnership with TB Kart, one of the world's leading karting manufacturers, to produce karts on the African continent and reduce the cost of entry into the sport.

Competitive karting equipment is typically imported into African markets, significantly increasing the financial burden on families hoping to support young drivers. Through the partnership with TB Kart, kart costs are already 20-30% lower than standard import pricing, with a five-year target of reducing prices by up to 55% while maintaining the same competitive equipment standards used internationally.

Lowering equipment costs is essential if the sport is to become accessible to a wider pool of young racers, Orr notes.

“Africa has never lacked talented drivers. What we have lacked is a system that allows those drivers to progress,” Wesleigh Orr said. “If the cost of entry is too high, many never even get the opportunity to start. Reducing that barrier is the first step in building a genuine pipeline.”

WORR Motorsport has also been appointed the official Pan-African distributor for TB Kart’s rental range, a move expected to expand access to circuits and venues across the continent. The objective is to reduce costs at every level, from first exposure in rental karting through to competitive racing.

While its long-term ambition is to develop African drivers capable of reaching the Formula 1 grid, the programme is already producing results at junior levels of international motorsport.

WORR Motorsport’s academy currently has 15 drivers preparing to compete in the coming weeks, as well as alumni racing for professional teams across Europe and Asia. Drivers developed through the programme have further recorded victories in competitions such as the ROK Cup, the Rotax Max Challenge, and in the FIA-sanctioned karting categories.

The 2026 season will also mark a milestone for the programme when Gianna Pascoal becomes Africa's first female driver to compete in Formula 4 competition through the WORR development pipeline, taking an important first step on the single-seater ladder that leads to Formula 1.

“These milestones are important because they demonstrate that African drivers can compete against the best in the world when the right structures are in place,” Orr says.

“Gianna has worked incredibly hard to reach this point. Seeing her finally step onto the Formula 4 grid is an exceptionally proud moment for our programme, as well as an encouraging signal to other young drivers across the continent that the pathway we are creating is real.”

The initiative is also expanding beyond South Africa, with a new fully operational karting hub in Rwanda confirmed for launch within the next 12 months. It will form part of a wider network of development centres designed to allow drivers to train and compete locally, rather than relocating abroad at an early stage.

Each hub is intended to provide not only driver coaching and competition opportunities, but also technical and operational training, supporting the wider ecosystem required in professional motorsport, including engineers, mechanics, and data specialists.

As part of its expansion, WORR Motorsport also owns Karting Africa, a platform focused on growing grassroots participation and competitive karting across the continent. Its upcoming Karting Africa Ghana Showrun 2026, scheduled for May, has received formal endorsement from Ghana’s National Sporting Authority (NSA), and is expected to attract as many as 40,000 attendees.

Applauding the organisation’s efforts, Rodrigo Rocha, FIA Vice-President for Sports (Africa), has aligned with WORR Motorsport's programme – a notable endorsement from the global body that governs Formula 1 and every major international motorsport series.

"For the good of our communities across South Africa and the wider continent, WORR Motorsport is ensuring that young people are no longer excluded from our sport. This is proof that Africa is not just waiting to be invited into the future of motorsport, but instead is building the future, right here, right now, on African soil," he states.

With drivers already progressing through its system, international partnerships in place, and expansion plans underway, Orr believes the groundwork for a return to Formula 1 representation is now firmly established.

“Africa has waited 46 years. Now the road back to the Formula 1 grid begins,” Orr concluded.

Classic Car and Bike Show: A true cornerstone of Cape Town's motoring culture.

A timeless collection of Porsche's finest, from air-cooled icons to more modern classics, on display at the Classic Car and Bike Show.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Nestled within the gardens of Timour Hall Villa in Plumstead, the 2026 Classic Car and Bike Show has once again underscored its status as one of Cape Town’s most established motoring gatherings, drawing enthusiasts, collectors, and families for a weekend that celebrated automotive history.

After more than 20 years, the Classic Car and Bike Show has become a must-visit fixture on the Cape Town events calendar. The concept was created in 1999, with the first show held in January 2000, and it featured only a handful of clubs. Over the years, the event gained popularity among both exhibitors and the public. In 2006, the decision was made to expand the show from a single-day format to a two-day event, with modern classics showcased on the Saturday, and pre-war machinery on the Sunday. The expansion of the show allowed for the inclusion of additional clubs, significantly broadening its appeal to a wider audience. 

According to organiser and Crank Handle Club representative Colin Greyvensteyn, the show began “around about 2000” before being handed over to the International Police Association (IPA), which continues to play a central role in its organisation. “We’ve got a very close association with them,” Greyvensteyn explained, adding that the Crank Handle Club has co-run the event for the past five years. Timour Hall itself has become a natural home for the show, serving as the club’s monthly meeting venue.

If cars weren't your thing, the broad range of bikes made a bold statement. On display was this British BAS motorcycle, complete with rally notes. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA.

As one of South Africa’s oldest car clubs, the Crank Handle Club caters to a wide array of cars, Greyvensteyn explains, “We cater for cars from the dawn of motoring all the way up to 1997. So we’ve got some new stuff in the club, and we also have all the way up to the oldest stuff in the country.” The large variety of cars were clearly visible across the showgrounds, with displays ranging from pre-war vehicles to iconic modern-era classics, including an eye-catching 1991 Honda NSX, and attention-grabbing racing bikes. 

The oldest car in South Africa is a 1901 Benz Ideal.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Those in attendance were also treated to what Greyvensteyn described as “the oldest car in the country, a 1901 Benz,” which proved to be one of the weekend’s standout attractions.

While comparisons are sometimes drawn with major international events, Greyvensteyn believes the show’s character is defined by its grassroots ethos rather than scale. Having attended Goodwood, he views the Classic Car and Bike Show as something fundamentally different. “I think the biggest benefit of this car show is organised by car enthusiasts for car enthusiasts,” he said. “We also donate all of the proceeds and everything to charity, but by and large, we are all petrol heads that are here, and everybody gets involved.”

Fundraising has long been a central purpose of the Classic Car and Bike Show, with its growth directly enabling increased charitable support. Over the years, donations of R10 000 have been made to a wide range of organisations, including Robertson House in aid of victims of spinal injuries, the SA Burn Foundation for its “Learn Not to Burn” school programme, Tape Aids for the Blind, the Chaeli Campaign, Living Way outreach near Kommetjie, the Village Care Aged Fund in Lavender Hill, and the Nkosiyamoyethu Outreach Programme in Hout Bay. Further beneficiaries have included the Lucky Lucy Foundation, Age-in-Action, SA Promise, and, in 2017, Wildfire Volunteer Services and Enviro Wildfire Services. 

Following the resumption of the show post-COVID in 2023, the organisers have expressed a continued commitment to supporting charities in need. This community-driven spirit is reflected in how the event is run. Greyvensteyn noted that around 80 Crank Handle Club members contribute to the organisation of the show, supported by volunteers from numerous other clubs. “There are so many volunteers from so many of the other clubs that are also involved, donate, get stuck in, and do the work,” he said.

The inclusive nature of the event extends beyond formal club structures. Private individuals are also encouraged to exhibit their vehicles. “They can come and exhibit as private individuals as well. If you’ve got a Volvo and you’re not part of a club, you’ll probably meet other Volvo owners here, and you’ll get involved with them,” Greyvensteyn explained.

Away from the static displays, the weekend offered far more than polished paintwork and timeless classics. Spectators were able to browse cars listed for sale, explore an AutoJumble – the UK-style equivalent of a swap meet – and enjoy live entertainment alongside food vendors, whilst small-scale collectors could peruse toy stalls for their next purchase. This variety ensured a broad appeal, with something on offer for everyone, from the casual visitor, serious collectors and younger attendees alike.

Small cars, big character... The Cape Town Mini Club brought the colour and charm to the Classic Car and Bike Show. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

Among the many clubs represented at the Classic Car and Bike show were the Cape Town Mini Club, whose display showcased a wide range of the iconic Mini brand. Club member Neil Ryklieff explained that participation in events like this is central to preserving that heritage. “For me personally, and I think I speak for all the members, it is for like-minded Mini owners to get together and then share our love and passion for our cars,” he said.

Ryklieff emphasised the role such gatherings play in sustaining interest across generations. “In so doing, [we] carry on the heritage and hopefully we can attract younger generations to the marque of the Mini,” he said. 

The display included everything from everyday road cars to rare and highly valuable examples. “You can go from cheaper versions to very, very expensive versions as well,” he noted, referencing a particularly special Cooper S at the show valued at approximately R1.5 million.

The extensive range of Minis on display reflects the broader philosophy of the Classic Car and Bike Show itself, where accessibility and shared enthusiasm remain a central theme. As Greyvensteyn put it, the event is ultimately about connection. “If you have any interest in any motor vehicle or any sort of club, come here/ All the major Cape Town clubs are here. If you are looking for a hobby to really get involved in, come here,” he said. “The people are so friendly, they’re so welcoming… you’ll find your people, whichever the thing may be.”

The AutoJumble was a true hit for those looking to restore cars, with a wide range of spares and car badges available for purchase. 
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

As the 2026 edition drew to a close, the atmosphere at the Timour Hall Ville reflected more than two decades of continuity built on volunteerism, passion, and inclusivity. With its blend of historic significance, modern-day appeal, and strong charitable foundations, the Classic Car and Bike Show remains a cornerstone of Cape Town’s automotive culture.

From Bricks to a Head-Turner: The Life-size LEGO Mercedes W14 showcase arrives in Cape Town for a limited time.

The life-sized Mercedes W14 EQ Performance on display at the V&A Waterfront
COPYRIGHT: Slipstream SA

LEGO® South Africa, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, has treated South Africans to a rare and unforgettable nationwide experience, with a life-sized LEGO Mercedes W14 E Performance on tour across the nation. The awe-inspiring activation has stopped off in Cape Town, at one of the city’s most iconic tourist destinations, the V&A Waterfront, where local and international audiences will have unprecedented up-close access to a modern Formula 1 recreation.

The showcase marked a landmark moment for LEGO® South Africa, representing the brand’s first campaign of this scale in the country. More than just a showcase, it’s a celebration of the shared values that unite LEGO® and Mercedes-Benz: precision, engineering excellence, and innovation. 

For the South African spectators, it’s a chance to experience the craftsmanship and detail of a contemporary Formula 1 machine in a way rarely possible outside the paddock.

Designed as a true “big-brand moment,” the campaign was crafted to generate excitement well in advance of the final reveal. Working on the idea of the car being shipped from Singapore, the team built excitement with a “Guess What’s in the Crate” campaign across their social media platforms, which went on to spark a lot of conversations around what it could be, and ultimately, culminated in the brand’s biggest-ever unboxing event.

The life-sized LEGO Mercedes W14 has some incredible detail.
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

From the moment the crate touched down at the airport, fans around South Africa were invited to follow the story as it unfolded, building towards a helicopter drop-off and the breathtaking reveal of the LEGO® masterpiece in front of media and motoring enthusiasts at the Mercedes-Benz Experience Centre at Zwartkops Raceway. 

“The reveal forms part of LEGO South Africa’s ongoing commitment to celebrating creativity and innovation through play,” Valery Kasimov, the newly appointed Country Manager for LEGO® South Africa, said.

Mercedes-Benz South Africa highlighted the strong alignment between the two brands, with Claudius Steinhoff, Executive Director MBC & Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, saying: “This collaboration between LEGO South Africa and Mercedes-Benz is built on shared values of precision, performance, and excellence. The LEGO Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 car celebrates our achievements at the pinnacle of motorsport and reflects the innovation, craftsmanship, and passion that unite both brands.”

The grand public showcase kicked off at the Nelson Mandela Square in November last year and has since traveled across the nation. And, for its penultimate pitstop in South Africa, the life-sized LEGO® Mercedes W14 E Performance has arrived in Cape Town, at one of the city's most iconic tourist locations, the V&A Waterfront. 

As passersby catch a glimpse of the life-sized Mercedes-AMG F1 W14, the reaction is immediate and unmistakable, with audible gasps as they stop in their tracks, instinctively reaching for their phones. Within seconds, the LEGO® display becomes a backdrop for photos and selfies, with curious onlookers moving closer with every step to find out more.

With every step they take closer to the activation, the audience is greeted by very friendly LEGO staff, who assist with all the inquires, also encouraging those present to challenge their building-skill and reflexes, with LEGO® build stations were kids and adults a like can build their own race cars, take it to the “championship racing” high-speed ramp with precision timing systems, and see how they rack up against the competition. And, for those who aren’t keen on building, there is a reflex challenge, which tests your reaction times, mirroring real driver skills. 

The LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance and Mercedes-Benz G 500 Professional Line

PHOTO CREDIT: LEGO South Africa and Slipstream SA

And for those who marvel at the sight of the life-sized masterpiece, questions arise, which are quickly answered by the LEGO staff, where it's learnt that the life-sized Mercedes-AMG W14 is based on the LEGO® Technic set, which is available in stores now. 

When asked about the build itself, the curious spectators are informed that the scaled-up LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance build took a team of 15 expert builders over 2,438 hours to assemble. The team used a total of 192,937 LEGO bricks, resulting in the build weighing approximately 913 kilograms and measuring 5.1 metres in length and 2.2 metres in width.

The result is an awe-inspiring replica that mirrors the sleek aerodynamic lines, intricate details, and striking presence of its real-world Mercedes-AMG counterpart. And, for those with a keen eye for detail, this life-sized creation features the ‘red star’, which, for many F1 fans, symbolizes Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team's tribute to three-time F1 World Champion and former Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda. 

The LEGO South Africa activation at the V&A Waterfront
PHOTO CREDIT: Slipstream SA

In every sense, the life-sized LEGO Mercedes W14 display, which has been travelling across the nation, is more than a showpiece. “This campaign is for everyone; it is truly South African in every possible way,” LEGO’s spokesperson said. As the LEGO Group strives to connect fans of racing and design by inviting builders of all ages to recreate the world’s most iconic racing cars in the comfort of their homes, it’s true to say that this showcase across the nation has sparked conversation and left a lasting impression on all those in attendance. 

With Cape Town scheduled as the penultimate pitstop for the activation, it’s evident that the clock is very much ticking. For those who have yet to visit, there is still time: the life-sized Mercedes-AMG Petronas W14 will be on display in Cape Town until 25 January 25, before concluding its tour in Johannesburg at Sandton City from 5 to 28 February, 2026.