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Global tire manufacturer Hankook Tire showcased its advanced electric vehicle (EV) tire technology at the 2025 Hankook Shanghai E-Prix. As the exclusive tire supplier and technical partner for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Hankook demonstrated the consistent high performance of its iON Race tires during the demanding double-header weekend. The event, held at the Shanghai International Circuit, marked Hankook’s second title race of the 2024/2025 season.
Key Highlights:
- Maximilian Günther and Nick Cassidy secured victories in Rounds 10 and 11 respectively.
- Hankook’s GEN3 Evo iON Race tires provided optimal grip and consistency across challenging track conditions, including mixed asphalt and concrete surfaces.
- The Shanghai International Circuit’s unique layout, inspired by the Chinese character “上” (shàng), tested driver skill and tire performance with high-speed straights and tight corners.
- Formula E now heads to Jakarta, Indonesia, on June 21st for the final Asian leg of Season 11.
The renowned Shanghai International Circuit presented a significant challenge with its combination of long straights, demanding corners, and varied surface transitions. Despite these complexities, Hankook’s GEN3 Evo iON Race tires delivered strong and consistent performance throughout both rounds of the competition. This reliability was crucial for drivers Maximilian Günther and Nick Cassidy, who achieved hard-fought victories.
The performance of the Hankook tires was instrumental in the race strategies. Oliver Rowland maintained his lead in the drivers’ standings with 171 points, while the Tag Heuer Porsche Formula E Team continued to dominate the teams’ championship, relying on the Porsche 99X Electric equipped with Hankook rubber.
The iON Race tires are specifically engineered for the unique demands of electric racing. Teams were allocated three sets of these versatile tires for the weekend, and they consistently provided the necessary grip and stability. This allowed drivers to navigate Shanghai’s intricate layout with confidence, regardless of fluctuating track conditions.
Maximilian Günther of DS Penske praised the tire’s capabilities, stating, “The GEN3 Evo iON Race tire is unique; it’s engineered to perform across an incredibly wide range of conditions, from dry to wet, hot to cold. That’s impressive. It offers great grip and consistency in the dry while still working just as well in the wet.” He highlighted that, unlike other racing series, Formula E does not switch to rain tires, a concept that mirrors the all-weather performance expected from road tires. Günther added, “From a technology standpoint, it’s truly fascinating.”
With the successful conclusion of the 2025 Hankook Shanghai E-Prix, the focus of the Formula E championship now shifts to Jakarta, Indonesia, for the final Asian round on June 21st. As the race for the Season 11 title intensifies, Hankook continues to play a pivotal role in advancing electric mobility, pushing the boundaries of tire performance and innovation in the competitive world of motorsport.
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