Originally Posted by
seb_sh
Like Andy said WEC is having a big turnaround after the previous regulations became unattractive (but even those had some glory years). The full list of manufacturers joining is as follows:
2022: Toyota, Glickenhaus, Peugeot, Alpine (using old car)
2023: all from 2022 except Alpine plus: Ferrari, ByKolles, Porsche, Audi, Cadillac, BMW, Acura/Honda (BMW and Acura probably only in North America)
2024: Lamborghini, Alpine (new car)
WTCR: Hyundai, Lynk & Co, Honda, Cupra, Audi (also TCR cars racing competitively in other championships or previously in WTCR are available from: Renault, VW, Lada, Opel, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot)
F1: Recently introduced budget cap regulations and change of commercial approach means that teams are not pruely a money black hole, in fact the Mercedes team was already profitable since last year. Also new engine regulations in 2026 made so it's easier for new manufacturers to join.
I would like to add GT3, created when GT1 racing was dying, over the years has had about 50 models from about 20 manufacturers and today hase some of the most interesting endurance races with multiple teams/cars as potential winners and a healthy private team entry.
In my opinion rallying organisers and promoters have been making mistakes since the early 2000's, are always on the back foot, reacting and being late to the party. The current WRC2 regulations are a perfect example of a missed opportunity due to idiotic rules. The manufacturers can be fickle yes but the blame is mostly on WRC not the teams.