By Anan Ashraf
In a thrilling feat of speed and innovation, a modified GEN3 race car has claimed the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed achieved by a vehicle indoors.
According to NEOM, In 2022, the company announced a strategic partnership with McLaren Racing, to become the title partner of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team and NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team racing teams, bringing two all-electric race series’ together for the first time under the banner of ‘NEOM McLaren Electric Racing’.
“We are delighted to welcome NEOM to the McLaren Racing family. This is an incredible way to kick off our entry into Formula E and to unify our electric racing series. We are thrilled to work with NEOM to nurture talent and drive innovation. Working with Oxagon will allow us to make meaningful contributions through our accelerator programme and assist with the development of advanced and clean industries.” said the CEO of McLaren, Zack Brown as quoted on NEOM.
Behind the wheel was the talented Formula E driver, Jake Hughes of NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, who revved up the GENBETA car to a jaw-dropping top speed of 135.9 mph late Tuesday night. The GEN3, introduced this season in Formula E, is hailed as the epitome of electric racing prowess, boasting a mind-boggling top speed of over 200 mph.
However, the GENBETA project took it to new heights by meticulously fine-tuning the battery power output, tire specifications, and other aerodynamic aspects of the vehicle’s body. In an exhilarating duel on 346 meters (1135.17 feet) of straight racetrack inside a London building, Hughes locked horns with fellow racer Lucas di Grassi to claim the coveted title. This impressive milestone shattered the previous record of 102.65 mph set by the Porsche Taycan back in February 2021.
Formula E brings a different spin to single-seater racing as the world’s first fully electric racing series. Racing since 2014, Formula E was the first sport to become net-zero since inception, enabling emission-free racing on iconic street circuits across the globe, according to NEOM.
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championships sees 11 teams and 22 drivers go head-to-head in 16 races around the globe. For Season 9, Formula E welcomed new circuits, rules, rivalries, and a brand-new car, the Gen3. Faster, lighter and more sustainable than ever before, these third generation Formula E cars push to speeds in excess of 200mph.
“It wasn’t something I ever imagined I’d have the opportunity to even attempt, so now to hold the record is pretty incredible, especially in a Formula E car,” said Jake Hughes.
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds congratulated Hughes and said that the record showcased the ‘incredible potential of EVs.’
“The GENBETA showcases what will be possible for Formula E racing in the near future,” said Formula E Technical manager Alessandra Cilibert.
Produced in association with Benzinga
Edited by Eunice Anyango Oyule and Judy J. Rotich