Usain Bolt tests a Formula E single-seater
The multiple Olympic champion and world record-holder in the 100m and 200m took to the wheel of a Formula E car at the Mexico ePrix, the first event of season 10.
Two major events took place at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico last weekend. In addition to the first ePrix of the season, which saw Pascal Wehrlein claim victory ahead of Sébastien Buemi and Nick Cassidy, a multiple Olympic track and field champion tried his hand at driving an electric single-seater car.
Jamaican Usain Bolt, considered the greatest sprinter of all time, drove a lap around the Mexican circuit in the GenBeta. With a power of 400 kW, this special FE single-seater holds the indoor speed record, reaching a top speed of 218.71 km/h during the ePrix of London last July.
The one nicknamed “The Lightning” went from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.89 seconds and covered 100 meters in 4.36 seconds, which is 5.22 seconds faster than his world record of 9.58 seconds, set on August 16, 2009 during the final of the 100 meters at the Athletics World Championships held in Berlin.
« The GenBeta is like a rocket on wheels,” said Usain Bolt after his test. « Having the chance to drive it is a mind-blowing experience. The power at the start is so surprising and the adrenaline rush you get is on a whole different level. Driving the GenBeta is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I was told that once you’ve driven it, you never want to stop or get out, and that’s the case. I would do it every day if I could. With a little more time, I would definitely go even faster.
The CEO of Formula E, Jeff Dodds, took the opportunity to pay tribute to the Jamaican champion.
What could be better than bringing together two world record holders with Usain Bolt and GenBeta? Usain broke the world record for the 100 meters 15 years ago and no one has come close since. He came to our event with determination and confidence to step out of his comfort zone, get into our incredible car, and see what he could do. He also asked me if he could come back tomorrow!
Finally, the former F1 driver and new presenter for Formula E TV, David Coulthard, expressed his admiration for the athlete with eight Olympic titles.
I was very impressed by Usain’s concentration and his desire to achieve a good performance. He never stopped pushing this fantastic car to its limit. Champion one day, champion always.
Does a future in motorsports loom for Usain Bolt?
“This is the only time I’ll say something is faster than me” 😅
The fastest man alive meets the world’s fastest electric single-seater race car ⚡️#UsainBolt #FormulaE pic.twitter.com/OK7QkoE9nQ
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) January 13, 2024
