Press Release

  • Motorsport

iON Race Rises to the High-Altitude Challenge at Formula E’s Iconic 2026 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix

  • iON Race met the demands of Formula E’s highest-altitude circuit, delivering control and consistency throughout the 2026 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix
  • Nick Cassidy secured victory for Citroën in a race shaped by energy management, strategy, and tyre performance
  • Performance data from Mexico City adds valuable reference points for Hankook’s ongoing iON EV tyre development
iON Race Rises to the High-Altitude Challenge at Formula E’s Iconic 2026 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix

Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 14 January 2026 – The 2026 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix wrapped up amid a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere, as Round 2 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 12 concluded at the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. As the championship’s exclusive tyre partner and title sponsor of the event, premium tyre manufacturer Hankook supported the grid at one of Formula E’s most celebrated venues, where high altitude, passionate fans, and intense racing once again defined the Mexico City experience.

Competing at more than 2,200 meters above sea level, the Mexico City circuit represents the highest-altitude race on the Formula E calendar, presenting a unique challenge for drivers and teams alike. Reduced air density placed additional emphasis on energy efficiency, cooling performance, and tyre thermal management, while the circuit’s character amplified the importance of consistency and control throughout the race.

In Formula E’s 150th race, shaped by tyre performance and energy control, Nick Cassidy secured Citroën’s maiden victory, ahead of Edoardo Mortara (Mahindra Racing) and Oliver Rowland (Nissan).

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez combines long, high-speed straights with heavy braking zones before the field dives into the Foro Sol stadium section, where tight, technical corners unfold in front of packed grandstands. The layout also incorporates the legendary Peraltada curve, demanding precise balance as drivers transitioned between fast open sections and the technical infield. Track evolution, altitude effects, and ambient conditions added further complexity, steadily influencing grip levels and tyre temperatures over the race distance.

Throughout the event, Hankook supplied all teams with its race-proven iON Race, providing a stable and reliable platform to balance outright performance with energy and heat management. The tyre’s predictable warm-up characteristics and consistent grip enabled drivers to push confidently across both fast and technical sectors. As conditions evolved, the iON Race maintained effective thermal control supporting strategic flexibility.

“Mexico City once again proved how decisive stable tyre behavior is at high altitude,” said Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director of Hankook Motorsport. “Across a race that demanded constant adaptation, the iON Race delivered the confidence and consistency teams needed to manage energy, temperature, and balance under challenging conditions.”

With Round 2 complete in Mexico City, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship now turns its attention to Round 3 of Season 12, the Miami E-Prix, scheduled for 31 January 2026. The race will take place at the Miami International Autodrome located within Hard Rock Stadium complex in Miami Gardens, on a layout defined by a mix of high-speed sections and technical corners.

For decades, Hankook has been one of the first ports of call when it comes to international motorsport. Hankook supplies its race tyres to globally-renowned series, high-class junior formats and popular grassroot events. With new collaborations and partnerships, the company is constantly enhancing its status as a global player on the motorsport scene. Since the 2023 season, Hankook has been the exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. In close cooperation with Formula E, the iON Race was developed for the world championship. Roughly 30 percent of the high-performance tyre is made of sustainable materials. With this commitment, Hankook is taking another pioneering step towards energy efficiency and sustainability in motorsport. The premium tyre maker has also agreed a collaboration with Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini Squadra Corse, and has been official technical partner and exclusive tyre supplier of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo series since 2023. The premium tyre maker’s portfolio covers a broad spectrum. This includes the FIA ERC4 Junior Championship for young and talented rally drivers. Hankook also supports popular touring car championship TCR Italy, many high-class one-make cups for a wide range of renowned manufacturers, junior single-seater series, and assorted international racing events with race tyres and technical know-how.

You can find more information at https://www.hankook-motorsport-media.com

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iON Race Rises to the High-Altitude Challenge at Formula E’s Iconic 2026 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix

E-Prix Mexico City

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iON Race Rises to the High-Altitude Challenge at Formula E’s Iconic 2026 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix

E-Prix Mexico City

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