Tesla S Plaid v 200mph F1 Drone: DRAG RACE

Summary

Matt Watson races a Tesla Model S Plaid against a custom-built racing drone from Red Bull capable of keeping up with Formula 1 cars. The drone's insane power-to-weight ratio enables it to beat the Tesla multiple times, despite Matt improving his launches. After easily beating an F1 car as well, the drone company claims it can beat Max Verstappen's Silverstone record. They aim to set up a future race between Max in an F1 car and the drone to settle the debate over which is fastest.

Takeaways

• 😲 The Red Bull drone built specifically to film Formula 1 cars raced a Tesla Model S Plaid in a quarter mile drag race
• 🚀 The drone has a power to weight ratio of 5000 hp per ton compared to the Tesla's 500 hp per ton
• 🚦 The slippery surface hampered the Tesla's launches while the drone could take off easily
• 🏎️ The drone completed the quarter mile in 7 seconds, while the Tesla took 10.5 seconds
• 😅 The drone pilot was just playing around in the initial runs before unleashing the drone's full potential
• ⚡ The drone can go from 0-100 km/hr in around 2 seconds
• 👀 The drone raced a 2012 F1 car driven by David Coulthard and easily won
• 🤔 Coulthard believes an F1 car could beat the drone on a proper race circuit
• 🏁 The drone may be able to beat Max Verstappen's Silverstone lap record
• 🤩 The power and speed of the custom built racing drone is truly incredible

Q & A

What vehicles are racing in the video?

A Tesla Model S Plaid is racing against a custom-built drone made by Red Bull to film Formula 1 cars at high speeds.

What are the specs of the Tesla Model S Plaid?

The Tesla has 3 electric motors with a combined 1,020 horsepower and 1,000 Nm torque. It weighs 2.2 tons and costs £180,000.

What are the specs of the Red Bull drone?

The drone weighs just under 1 kg, has around 5 horsepower, and a power to weight ratio of 5,000 horsepower per ton.

Why does the Tesla struggle off the line?

The wet and slippery surface causes traction issues for the Tesla, resulting in wheel spin on launch.

How fast can the drone accelerate and fly?

The drone can hit 100 km/h in around 2 seconds. It can also go from 100 km/h to 300 km/h in about 2 seconds, gaining 100 km/h per second.

Who is driving the Formula 1 car?

David Coulthard, a former Formula 1 driver, drives the 2012 Red Bull RB8 F1 car.

How does the F1 car compare to the drone?

While faster in corners, the F1 car stood no chance in a straight line against the drone. The drone hit 210 mph while the F1 car struggled for traction off the line.

What does David Coulthard think would happen at a race track?

He believes Max Verstappen in the F1 car could potentially beat the drone around a proper race circuit with corners, rather than a straight drag race.

Has the drone raced at Silverstone?

No, the drone has not officially raced or set a lap time at Silverstone yet.

What is the lap record at Silverstone?

The lap record at Silverstone is 1 minute 27 seconds, set by Max Verstappen in 2020.