Lightning Bolt Electrifies in World Record-Breaking Formula E Race Car

Author of the article:

Published Jan 13, 2024 • 4 minute read

The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, experienced a breath-taking new level of speed and acceleration behind the wheel of Formula E’s world record-breaking GENBETA race car in Mexico City. Business WireWorld’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, drives world record-breaking Formula E GENBETA electric race car ahead of first race of the season in Mexico City“The car is like a rocket ship on wheels” Bolt exclaims after testing the GENBETA’s acceleration from the start line, racing 100m in 4.36secs – 5.22secs faster than his 100m world record time – and 0-60mph in 2.89secsFormula E GENBETA race car is the innovation and development programme created by Formula E and the FIA using an ‘unlocked’ GEN3 race car with 400kW of power, and modifications by championship partners including Hankook TireBolt’s electric experience opens Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with the 2024 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix taking place today (Saturday)

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O’Connor, Gabriel Friedman, Victoria Wells and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world’s leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Article content

MEXICO CITY, Mexico — The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, experienced a breath-taking new level of speed and acceleration behind the wheel of Formula E’s world record-breaking GENBETA race car in Mexico City.

Article content

Video and Photos>>

Ahead of the first race of the season in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the multi-Olympic gold medallist drove the revolutionary Formula E GENBETA electric race car on a full lap of the track where the 2024 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix will be held later today (Saturday, 13 January).

The fastest man ever over 100m and 200m could not resist trying out the sprint capabilities of the Formula E GENBETA, which earlier this year smashed the official indoor land speed world record by more than 50 km/h reaching 218.71km/h inside the ExCeL London.

Bolt accelerated from the start line on the track at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, achieving 0-60mph in 2.89 seconds and powering through 100m in 4.36 seconds – 5.22 seconds faster than his world record 100m time of 9.58 seconds.

With current Formula E World Champion driver, Jake Dennis (Andretti Formula E Team) and former F1 star and new Formula E TV presenter, David Coulthard, on hand to provide coaching advice, Bolt was able to experience the 400kW power of the GENBETA at full effect from the start line and along the straight.

The GENBETA features a range of modifications to effectively ‘unlock’ the specifications of Formula E’s GEN3 race car.

Introduced last season, the GEN3 is the fastest, lightest, most powerful and efficient electric race car ever built. With a top speed of more than 322 km/h (200 mph), the GEN3 is used by the 11 teams and 22 drivers in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Usain Bolt said:

“The GENBETA race car is like a rocket ship on wheels. Getting the chance to drive it was a mind-blowing experience. The power from the start was such a surprise and the adrenaline you got is on a different level, easily. Driving the GENBETA was like nothing I’ve experienced before. I was told that as soon as you drive, you don’t want to stop or get out and they were right. I would do it every day if I could. If I get more time, I will definitely go faster.”

Jeff Dodds, CEO, Formula E, said:

“Usain Bolt is electric. What could be more Formula E than bringing together two world record holders – Usain Bolt and our GENBETA race car – just to see what happens? Usain broke the world record 15 years ago, and nobody has come close to beating it since. He came to our race event today with that same determination and confidence to step out of his comfort zone, get in our incredible race car, and see what he could do. He’s also asking me if he can come back tomorrow and see if he can go even quicker.”

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

David Coulthard, former F1 driver and Formula E TV presenter, said:

“I was very impressed with Usain’s focus and desire to put in a strong performance. Put the world’s fastest man in this incredible race car and he was always going to push it to the limit. Once a champion, always a champion.”

About Formula E and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship:

As the world’s first all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport certified net zero carbon since inception, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation.

The Formula E network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, and host cities are united by a passion for the sport and belief in its potential to accelerate sustainable human progress and create a better future for people and planet.

www.FIAFormulaE.com

About ABB:

ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation. www.abb.com