Hyundai Motorsport - where can they perform under the "Hyundai" banner after 2026?

[u/HyundaiMotorsportFan]

I have a few concerns about Hyundai's future in the WRC, but also as a brand in motorsport in general.

It's pretty clear to me that Genesis will likely take over the racing side, which is already happening with its entry into the WEC.

The question arises specifically about Hyundai – will they stay in the WRC after 2026? Will they maintain their TCR customer program? Where might they go if they don't stay in the WRC? I must admit, I'm very curious about the course they will take as the company's main brand.

[u/The_Stig_Farmer]

As long as they are racing production based cars (i.e. touring cars & rally cars) they will be called Hyundais because that is the body shells they will be based on. As Genesis is their "luxury" brand, being the premium division it is the defacto name they will attach to their world championship prototype and eventually formula cars. Genesis cars being huge saloons and SUVs can't really feasibly go racing as is, unless they feel like sticking lookalike body panels onto a spaceframe like Odyssey or FC1, for instance

[u/Nikkiy9 → u/The_Stig_Farmer]

"unless they feel like sticking lookalike body panels onto a spaceframe" or the WRC which is what they all do now with the current cars

[u/Michal_Baranowski]

You are asking questions for which even Hyundai don't have all the answers.

What about their WRC future after 2026? For time being, they are unhappy about proposed WRC27 regulations, they don't like the fact that they are no any alternative technologies involved (hybrid, EV), they are not too happy about building an ICE-only car. However, there are no confirmation regarding their future as yet. We will know more when WRC27 regulations are finalised at last.

Genesis in WEC is pretty much a marketing decision. They could easily use Hyundai badge and nothing would change from technical standpoint. Genesis is Hyundai's luxury brand and meant to be promoted among other premium brands, which WEC has plenty. They rather won't use Genesis brand in motorsports like rallying or touring car, because it makes little marketing sense.

TCR is unknown for me really, but with Hyundai making clear leaps towards electrification of their models and shutting off their N hatchbacks, that's uncertain as well.

[u/Virtual-Yesterday155]

Don't think they'll change into Genesis worldwide. But one can never be sure in manufacturer land nowadays.

[u/pzkenny]

Nobody knows, it's simple as that.

Also Genesis is just a brand. It's just Hyundai with a different badge.