WRC in Turmoil as Petition Targets Petter Solberg’s Role in 2026 Season
The World Rally Championship has been thrown into sudden and fierce controversy following reports that Elfyn Evans and five other WRC drivers are backing a petition urging the FIA to ban Petter Solberg from assisting his son, Oliver Solberg, in any races during the 2026 season. The move, which remains unverified at the time of writing, has already sent shockwaves through the paddock, triggered intense online debate, and allegedly forced the FIA’s top leadership into emergency discussions over a decision that could reshape the competitive and political landscape of modern rallying.
According to sources close to the situation, the petition cites what it describes as “reputation-damaging behavior toward competitors,” accusing Petter Solberg of crossing an invisible but critical line between mentorship and undue influence. While no formal charges or disciplinary findings have been made public, the allegation alone has been enough to ignite a firestorm, largely because of who is involved. Petter Solberg is not just another former driver offering advice from the sidelines; he is a world champion, a rallying icon, and one of the most recognizable personalities the sport has produced in the past two decades.
The reported involvement of Elfyn Evans has added extra fuel to the controversy. Evans is widely respected within the WRC paddock, known for his measured public persona and reluctance to engage in off-stage drama. That his name has been linked to the petition has been interpreted by many as a signal that concerns, whether justified or not, are being taken seriously by at least part of the driver community.
The fact that five other drivers are also said to be involved suggests this is not an isolated grievance, but potentially a coordinated stand born from simmering tensions that have now reached a boiling point.
At the heart of the dispute is Oliver Solberg, one of rallying’s brightest young talents and a driver whose career has unfolded under the watchful eye of his famous father. In modern motorsport, family involvement is nothing new, but the Solberg case has always drawn heightened attention because of Petter’s outsized presence and outspoken nature. Critics argue that his public comments, paddock interactions, and perceived influence risk undermining sporting fairness or damaging relationships between competitors.
Supporters counter that he is simply doing what countless parents and mentors have done before him: protecting and guiding a young driver in an unforgiving elite environment.
The situation reportedly escalated further when news emerged that the FIA CEO had convened an emergency meeting to discuss the matter. While the FIA has not officially confirmed the meeting or its agenda, the mere suggestion of high-level intervention has intensified speculation. For the governing body, the implications are enormous. Banning a former world champion from assisting his own son would be an unprecedented move, one that could set a far-reaching precedent across motorsport disciplines, from rallying to single-seaters.
Reaction within the racing community has been swift and polarized. Some drivers and insiders have expressed quiet support for stronger boundaries, arguing that the WRC must safeguard its integrity as it heads into a new technical era. Others see the reported petition as a dangerous overreach, warning that policing personal relationships could open the door to arbitrary enforcement and endless disputes. Fans, meanwhile, have taken to social media in droves, with hashtags related to the Solberg name trending as debates rage over fairness, influence, and the true meaning of sportsmanship.
Petter Solberg himself has not issued an official statement addressing the allegations. In the past, he has been vocal about his passion for the sport and his desire to see his son succeed on merit rather than favoritism. Any eventual response, should one come, is likely to be closely scrutinized, not only for its content but for its tone. In a controversy framed around “reputation-damaging behavior,” perception may matter almost as much as facts.
For Oliver Solberg, the timing could hardly be worse. As he looks ahead to 2026, a season expected to bring heightened competition and renewed manufacturer interest, questions about off-stage politics threaten to overshadow his on-stage performance. Young drivers often speak about the pressure of living up to a famous surname; this episode risks adding an entirely new layer of scrutiny to every result, every mistake, and every success.
The FIA now finds itself in a delicate position. Acting too aggressively could invite accusations of bias or overregulation, while inaction might be interpreted as indifference to driver concerns. Any decision, whether to formally investigate, dismiss the petition, or impose restrictions, will almost certainly draw criticism from one side or another. What is clear is that the governing body is being tested not just on rule enforcement, but on its ability to manage personalities and power dynamics in a sport where legacy and emotion run deep.
As of now, the story remains fluid. With no official ruling, no confirmed petition text, and no public disciplinary process underway, the WRC paddock is left in a state of uneasy anticipation. One thing, however, is beyond dispute: the controversy has exposed underlying fractures within the championship, and how the FIA responds may shape not only the 2026 season, but the future boundaries between mentorship, influence, and competition in world rallying.
