218.71 KM/H, New Indoor Land Speed World Record - GENBETA Formula E

GENBETA, a revolutionary Formula E electric race car, piloted by Jake Hughes from NEOM McLaren Formula E Team has broken the indoor land speed world record by exceeding 218.71 km/h in London.

Jake Hughes set this record while competing in the 'Duels' format against Lucas di Grassi of the Mahindra Racing squad. Both are ABB FIA Formula E World Championship competitors. The Formula E qualifying format of 'Duels' was used on a 346-metre straight race circuit, with both drivers using the same GENBETA machines.

Despite having no prior experience behind the wheel of the GENBETA race car, both drivers exceeded the existing world record of 165.2 km/h during their practice laps, setting the scenario for a fierce record attempt.

In his official fourth run, Hughes achieved a remarkable top speed of 218.71 km/h, securing the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the fastest-ever vehicle indoors. Meanwhile Lucas di Grassi’s official attempt fell just short, reaching a top speed of 217.65 km/h.

The GENBETA machine is the current Formula E GEN3 machine, which is capable of top speeds exceeding 322 km/h and is the fastest, lightest, most powerful, and efficient electric race car ever created.

Both teams' GENBETA machines were significantly improved for this record attempt in order to unleash the full capability of the GEN3 race car. The full-time activation of the front drive motor enabled all-wheel drive for the first time in a Formula E car and increased the power output to 536HP (up from 470HP in the standard GEN3).

Furthermore, the race machines were outfitted with Hankook Tire's softer compound iON Race tyres, which provide faster warm-up and improved peak grip. The aerodynamics of the GENBETA were additionally enhanced through the use of 3D printed front wing endplates, wheel fins, and a wind deflector constructed from SABIC's circular and sustainable thermoplastic solutions.