The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship recently launched Season 12 with a return to São Paulo. As the exclusive tire partner, Hankook Tire & Technology provided technical support at the high-speed Anhembi Sambadrome. The venue transformed from a carnival site into a complex street circuit for the opening round.
Highlights
- Jake Dennis secured a victory for Andretti Formula E in the season opener.
- The iON Race tire maintained consistent performance despite shifting humidity and temperatures.
- Data collected in São Paulo will directly influence Hankook’s consumer EV tire development.
Circuit Demands and Environmental Factors
The 2.933-kilometer course featured 11 turns and required constant driver adaptation. Long acceleration zones transitioned quickly into rapid direction changes. A decisive mid-lap hairpin frequently altered the race rhythm for the grid.
Early-summer temperatures and humidity fluctuations added complexity to the event. These environmental factors influenced grip levels and thermal behavior across the entire race distance.
Jake Dennis navigated these challenges to secure a win for Andretti Formula E. He successfully managed a late red flag scenario. This victory made him the first front-row winner at the Anhembi Sambadrome Circuit.
Tire Performance Analysis
Hankook supplied the iON Race tire to all competing teams. This provided a stable platform for balancing outright pace with necessary energy management. Drivers utilized consistent warm-up behavior to navigate high-speed straights and technical sectors effectively.
The tire maintained a steady footprint as track conditions evolved. Effective thermal control allowed teams to manage their stints without compromising vehicle balance. This reliability was crucial during recovery periods and high-stress maneuvers.
Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director of Hankook Motorsport, noted the tire’s consistency under changing conditions. He indicated that the performance in São Paulo suggests a competitive season ahead for both racing strategy and tire management.
Strategic Implications and Future Rounds
Data gathered from São Paulo supports Hankook’s broader iON EV tire development. Engineering teams focus on specific performance metrics relevant to electric mobility.
Key Development Areas:
- Temperature stability under high load.
- Rolling resistance optimization for range efficiency.
- Footprint behavior during rapid acceleration and braking.
The championship proceeds to the Hankook Mexico City E-Prix on January 10, 2026. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will present unique altitude challenges for Round 2.
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