Press Release

  • Motorsport

Hankook’s iON Race Technology Conquers Hankook Mexico City E-Prix

  • Hankook's modified iON Race technology excelled in challenging high-altitude conditions of over 2km above sea level
  • GEN3 Evo iON Race shattered expectations in front of 40,000 fans
  • Dusty roads in Jeddah await Hankook’s next electrifying showdown
Hankook’s iON Race Technology Conquers Hankook Mexico City E-Prix

Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 15 January 2025 – Thrilling racing action, enthusiastic fans, and cutting-edge technology defined the second round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 11 at the legendary Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit. Hankook Mexico City E-Prix on January 11 saw Oliver Rowland (Nissan Formula E Team) claim a hard-fought victory, mastering one of Formula E’s most challenging tracks with the outstanding performance of the Hankook’s iON Race .

Against the dramatic backdrop of 40,000 passionate spectators, 22 drivers unleashed their full potential in their GEN3 Evo cars, equipped with the modified iON Race from Hankook. The 2.63-kilometer circuit, perched over two kilometers above sea level, presented unprecedented challenges with its thin air density and dramatic temperature swings characteristic of high-altitude environments.

These extreme conditions, combined with the circuit's notorious technical layout, put extraordinary demands on tyre performance. Yet Hankook's iON Race tyres demonstrated remarkable adaptability, delivering improvement in grip and fast lap times. Constructed with 35 percent sustainable materials and advanced technology for enhanced heat resistance and stability, the iON Race tyres exemplify Hankook's commitment to sustainability and high performance, reinforcing its position as a leader in electric racing.

Maximilian Günther (DS Penske) elaborated on the tyre's impact on racing strategy, "Energy efficiency is crucial in Formula E, and Hankook's low rolling resistance technology has been a game-changer. The evolution of the iON Race tyre is remarkable – we're seeing peak performance in qualifying while maintaining an optimal temperature window during the race. This year's tyre characteristics offer an exciting challenge for both drivers and teams, combining high performance with energy efficiency. The improved grip and consistency allow us to push harder while managing our energy consumption more effectively, which is exactly what we need in Formula E."

The excitement extended beyond the track at Hankook's branded fan booth, where drivers engaged with fans through an interactive iON digital racing experience. During the media sessions, both Maximilian Günther, DS Penske, and Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Senior Director Motorsport, joined to discuss tyre technology innovations. Sandbichler highlighted how the new tyre characteristics require sophisticated management and strategic thinking throughout the race, while maintaining zero tyre-related incidents despite the demanding conditions.

Hankook’s expertise in electric racing will be showcased again at the Formula E double-header in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from February 14-15, where hot and dusty tracks and will further challenge tyre performance.

Hankook Tire manufactures innovative, high-performance tyres for passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, RVs, trucks, buses and motorsports. With five R&D centres and eight production facilities worldwide, Hankook continuously invests in research and development to offer the highest level of quality and driving satisfaction. The company employs around 20,000 people globally and sells products in over 160 countries. Hankook Tire has been the exclusive tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship since 2023. Leading car manufacturers rely on Hankook tyres for original equipment. More than 38 percent of global sales are generated in Europe.

Hankook’s European headquarters are located in Neu-Isenburg, Germany. At its European Technical Centre in Hanover, Germany and its manufacturing site in Rácalmás, Hungary, Hankook develops and produces bespoke tyre solutions for the European market.

For more information please visit www.hankooktire-mediacenter.com or www.hankooktire.com

Hankook Tire Europe GmbH | Marketing Communications Europe | Siemensstr. 14, 63263 Neu-Isenburg | Germany

all press releases

Downloads

Hankook’s iON Race Technology Conquers Hankook Mexico City E-Prix

21 DE VRIES Nyck (nld), Mahindra Racing, Mahindra M11 Electro, action during the Mexico City ePrix, 2nd round of the 2024-25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, on the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez from January 10 to 11, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico - Photo Eric Alonso / DPPI

File size: 3 MB

Hankook’s iON Race Technology Conquers Hankook Mexico City E-Prix

Start of the ePrix during the Mexico City ePrix, 2nd round of the 2024-25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, on the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez from January 10 to 11, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico - Photo Eric Alonso / DPPI

File size: 3 MB

Contacts

Sabine Riedel

PR Manager Marketing Communications

 +49 (0) 6102 8149-178

Lisa Schmid

PR Manager Marketing Communications

+49 (0) 6102 8149-172

Julia-Larissa Büsch

PR Manager Marketing Communications

 +49 (0) 160 2545279

Zoë Baldwin

Marketing Manager
Hankook Tyre UK Ltd

 +44 7948 247048

Natasha Ramos Smyth

Marketing Executive
Hankook Tyre UK Ltd

 +44 7961 601839

Subscribe to the Hankook press releases