Racing Under the Stars: The Thrill of the 2026 Jeddah E-Prix

As the sun sets over the stunning Red Sea coast, the excitement for the 2026 E-Prix in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, reaches a fever pitch. Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., a prominent player in the global tire industry, prepares to showcase its cutting-edge technology during this exhilarating event. Scheduled for the 13th and 14th of February, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will present back-to-back night races at the spectacular Jeddah Corniche Circuit. This unique venue, illuminated by floodlights, offers a thrilling backdrop for high-speed racing.

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit stands out not only for its picturesque setting but also for its exceptional configuration. Originally designed for Formula 1, the circuit has undergone adaptations to accommodate the unique demands of Formula E's regenerative braking and energy dynamics. Spanning 3.001 kilometers, this layout combines long, fast straights with challenging technical chicanes and hairpin turns. As night falls, the track's temperature evolves, creating a dynamic environment that influences grip levels and tire performance. The absence of direct sunlight allows teams to strategize effectively as they navigate this intricate circuit, with each turn presenting a new challenge.

The Tire Behind the Thrill: Hankook’s iON Race

At the heart of the racing action is Hankook's iON Race tire, engineered specifically to meet the demands of high-stakes motorsport. Designed for optimal grip under heavy loads, this tire maintains consistent thermal control and rolling resistance—an essential balance in the fast-paced world of Formula E. The streets of Jeddah will test the limits of tire performance, particularly during sustained high-speed sections and intense braking zones, where thermal management becomes crucial. 

Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director of Hankook Motorsport, emphasizes the significance of tire stability and consistency in this challenging environment. "The electrifying atmosphere of Jeddah under the lights adds another dimension to this already demanding circuit," he remarked. The iON Race tire is crafted to offer teams a reliable and predictable platform, ensuring they can perform their best during both qualifying rounds and the race itself. As competitors navigate the evolving conditions of the night, the iON Race tire will play a pivotal role in their success, making it an indispensable asset throughout the event.

The 2026 Jeddah E-Prix promises to be a standout chapter in the Formula E season. With its unique blend of speed, strategy, and nighttime racing excitement, this double-header event will undoubtedly captivate fans and participants alike. Hankook's iON Race tire stands at the forefront, ready to deliver the performance needed to conquer the challenges of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. As the countdown begins, anticipation builds for what is sure to be an unforgettable spectacle under the stars.

Driving Innovation: Hankook's Triumph at the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix

Introduction to a New Era in Motorsport

In the vibrant city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Hankook Tire & Technology (hereafter Hankook) recently marked a significant milestone in the world of motorsport. As a global leading tire company of Hankook & Company Group, Hankook concluded the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix, part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with remarkable success. Serving as the exclusive tire supplier and official technical partner, Hankook's role in this innovative racing series underscores its commitment to technological excellence and sustainability.

The Jeddah E-Prix, held on February 14 and 15, 2025, featured this season's first double-header and night race. It was a captivating spectacle, with Rounds 3 and 4 of the championship showcasing the prowess of the GEN3 Evo iON Race tire. This advanced racing tire delivered exceptional performance, supporting 22 drivers from 11 teams as they navigated the circuit's narrow high-speed straights and 19 technical corners.

Celebrating Victories: The Drivers' Achievements

Maximilian Günther of DS PENSKE and Oliver Rowland from the Nissan Formula E Team emerged victorious in Rounds 3 and 4, respectively. Their triumphs were not only a testament to their skill but also highlighted the exceptional capabilities of Hankook's tires. Oliver Rowland's victory propelled him to the top of the drivers' championship, accumulating 68 points. Meanwhile, the Nissan Formula E Team surged ahead in the teams' championship, thanks to their formidable Nissan powertrain.

Driver feedback during the event further emphasized the tire's outstanding performance. Maximilian Günther noted, "The tire demonstrated outstanding grip and handling performance optimized for the new race car, even under extreme driving conditions." This high-level performance enabled drivers to finish the race stably and competitively, reinforcing Hankook's reputation for excellence in tire technology.

The GEN3 Evo iON Race Tire: A Technological Marvel

The GEN3 Evo iON Race tire stands as a testament to Hankook's technological innovation. Designed with advanced engineering fiber materials and natural rubber, this tire offers excellent heat resistance and stability. Hankook's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the tire's compound, which incorporates sustainable raw materials and energy-saving technologies, aligning with Formula E's mission to promote sustainable motorsports.

Hankook's technological prowess doesn't end on the racetrack. Beyond the adrenaline-fueled environment of Formula E, the company continues to solidify its position in the electric vehicle (EV) tire market. Strategic partnerships with leading automakers such as Porsche, BMW, and Audi underscore Hankook's role as an industry leader in EV tire technology. Since introducing the world's first comprehensive EV-dedicated tire lineup under the iON brand in 2022, Hankook has been at the forefront of innovation.

The Road Ahead: Expanding Horizons and Future Prospects

With four rounds of Formula E Season 11 complete, the championship is poised to continue with Round 5, the 2025 Miami E-Prix, scheduled for April 12 in Miami, USA. As the competition intensifies, Hankook remains committed to advancing its EV tire technology through sophisticated research and development. By expanding the iON product range, Hankook aims to meet the evolving demands of the global EV market.

The 2025 Jeddah E-Prix was not merely a race; it was a demonstration of Hankook's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. As the exclusive tire supplier and official technical partner of Formula E, Hankook exemplifies how technological advancements can drive the future of motorsports. With each race, Hankook continues to set new standards, reinforcing its position as a global leader in tire technology.

The 2025 Jeddah E-Prix showcased Hankook's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in motorsports. By delivering exceptional performance on the racetrack and spearheading advancements in EV tire technology, Hankook is not just participating in the future of racing; it is actively shaping it. As the journey continues, the world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in Hankook's inspiring story of innovation and success.