What is faster than Usain Bolt?

The Jamaican is widely considered the greatest sprinter of all time

By Web Desk
January 14, 2024
Usain Bolt - AFP

For the first time since being crowned the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt has acknowledged something else that is quicker than him. 

The world’s fastest man has conceded that the GENBETA race car, a Formula E world record-breaking vehicle, is, in fact, swifter than him.

The Jamaican experienced a breathtaking new level of speed and acceleration behind the wheel of the GENBETA race car in Mexico City on Friday.

Ahead of the first race of the season in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the multiple Olympic champion drove the revolutionary Formula E GENBETA electric race car on a full lap of the track where the 2024 Hankook Mexico City E-Prix was to be held.

“The GENBETA race car…this is the first time in my life I’m comfortable saying something’s faster than me. That’s the first time I’ve ever said that out of my mouth. It will never happen again," Bolt said after the race.

“The GENBETA race car is like a rocket ship on wheels. Getting the chance to drive it was a mind-blowing experience. The power from the start was such a surprise and the adrenaline you got is on a different level, easily.

“Driving the GENBETA was like nothing I've experienced before. I was told that as soon as you drive, you don’t want to stop or get out and they were right. I would do it every day if I could. If I get more time, I will definitely go faster.”

The world record holder couldn't resist testing the sprint capabilities of the Formula E GENBETA, which earlier this year broke the official indoor land speed world record by over 50 km/h, reaching 218.71 km/h inside the ExCeL London.

Bolt accelerated from the starting line on the track at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, achieving 0-60mph in 2.89 seconds and covering 100m in 4.36 seconds – 5.22 seconds faster than his world record 100m time of 9.58 seconds.

The GENBETA incorporates various modifications to effectively 'unlock' the specifications of Formula E's GEN3 race car.

Introduced last season, the GEN3 is the fastest, lightest, most powerful, and efficient electric race car ever built. With a top speed of over 322 km/h (200 mph), the GEN3 is utilized by the 11 teams and 22 drivers in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

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