Tesla Roadster sim suggests fan downforce could beat Verstappen's F1 pole by 1.8s
PTrubey · x · 2026-10-17
An updated track simulation based on the new Roadster specs from the Top Gear interview (RWD, 1.7 t, 1 MW, 200 L tank, 1.26 g from tyres alone) explores what Musk's "2 g" claim means: if 2 g comes from fan suction, the car hits 1:30.8 at COTA — 1.8 s faster than Verstappen's 2025 pole; with only 1 g of fan (just enough to drive upside down), it's 1:42.0, about 9.5 s slower. Each 1 g of fan force is worth 11 s per lap, with the entire gap in the corners — straights and top speed are identical. Either way it's far ahead of the WEC Hypercar pole (1:57.7). The author notes F1 has banned ducted-fan tech, which is why the Roadster could beat F1 cars.
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