The 2026 Miami E-Prix marked Formula E’s first World Championship race at the Miami International Autodrome, with Hankook’s iON Race tire delivering consistent grip as conditions shifted throughout the weekend. Round 3 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 12 ran on a bespoke circuit layout integrated into the venue’s stadium infrastructure, presenting teams with fresh technical demands and limited historical tire data.
Highlights
- Mitch Evans won the rain-affected Miami E-Prix for Jaguar TCS Racing, the first wet-weather race in Miami E-Prix history, after five laps behind the Safety Car.
- Hankook’s iON Race tire maintained stable performance across evolving grip levels on a newly configured circuit with non-uniform surface characteristics.
- The tire’s predictable warm-up and thermal behavior allowed teams to adapt strategy without compromising balance or control despite minimal prior reference data.
- Hankook expanded its fan engagement through a dedicated Fan Village showcasing iON Race road tires and EV tire technology.
Wet Conditions Create Unpredictable Racing
Round 3 marked the first time the Miami E-Prix ran under wet conditions, producing a closely contested race from start to finish. Following a five-lap Safety Car period, strategic battles intensified as teams adjusted to rapidly changing grip levels and evolving race dynamics. Evans ultimately navigated the shifting conditions to claim victory, boosting his position in the Season 12 Drivers’ Championship standings.
Circuit Layout Tests Tire Adaptability
The Miami International Autodrome’s temporary-style configuration presented distinct challenges for tire performance. The layout, integrated into stadium infrastructure and surrounding paved areas, produced non-uniform grip characteristics across the circuit. Heavy braking zones and high-load direction changes placed particular demands on tire consistency.
As rubber accumulated on the track surface over the race distance, teams were forced to continuously adapt to shifting traction conditions. Balancing temperature control through repeated acceleration and deceleration phases became a critical element of race strategy.
iON Race Delivers Across Wide Operating Window
Hankook supplied all teams with the iON Race tire, which demonstrated stable performance as track conditions evolved throughout the event. With minimal historical reference on the new configuration, several characteristics proved critical:
- Predictable warm-up behavior that enabled qualifying execution on an unfamiliar surface
- Controlled thermal characteristics supporting consistent grip across varying conditions
- Race-long efficiency that allowed teams to adjust strategy without compromising balance
Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director of Hankook Motorsport, noted that the Miami event demonstrated the importance of predictable tire behavior on a newly introduced layout at an iconic venue. He emphasized that the iON Race delivered the stability required for competitive racing as grip levels evolved throughout the weekend.
Fan Engagement Extends Beyond the Track
The Miami E-Prix featured Formula E’s signature fan-focused atmosphere, including live entertainment, simulator activities in the Gaming Arena, and local food and drink offerings. Hankook operated a dedicated Fan Village that offered hands-on access to the iON Race road tire lineup and interactive sessions highlighting the company’s EV tire technology and brand philosophy.
Season 12 Continues in Jeddah
With Round 3 complete, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship moves to Saudi Arabia for the Jeddah E-Prix. The Jeddah Corniche Circuit presents a contrasting challenge, combining high-speed sections with technical corners along the Red Sea coastline. Insights gained from racing on Miami’s new circuit configuration will contribute to Hankook’s ongoing development of its iON EV tire portfolio.
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