MrBeast Crashes Formula E Car

Formula E Photo

In an unexpected turn of events, YouTube megastar MrBeast, known off-screen as James Donaldson, made headlines for crashing a Formula E car during the championship's influencer-driven Evo Sessions in Miami.

The 26-year-old content creator, with over 370 million subscribers, brought his internet fame to the racetrack, creating what some are calling the most-watched moment in Formula E history.

The Evo Sessions, held at the Miami International Autodrome, paired global celebrities with professional Formula E teams to showcase the cutting-edge Gen 3 Evo race cars. MrBeast was behind the wheel of a Cupra Kiro Porsche, typically driven by German racer David Beckmann.

Photo credit: Cupra Kiro

After a smooth first lap behind a Porsche Taycan safety car, Donaldson lost control on his second lap. Exiting a left-hand corner in Sector 1, he spun 360 degrees and clipped the wall, halting the session.

Despite the mishap, neither MrBeast nor the car suffered significant damage. The YouTuber exited unscathed and even joked about the incident with onlookers, saying, “I did the thing,” while smiling sheepishly. The lighthearted response from both Donaldson and the event’s organizers underscored the crash's low stakes but high visibility.

The incident quickly gained traction online. Footage shared on MrBeast’s Instagram garnered over 25 million views within 48 hours, drawing attention from media outlets that rarely cover Formula E. This viral moment highlighted the series' ability to merge entertainment with motorsport innovation.

Formula E’s Evo Sessions aimed to bridge celebrity influence with sustainable motorsport. Featuring stars like Sergio Agüero and Tom Felton, the event showcased not only high-speed electric racing but also Formula E's commitment to environmental progress. While MrBeast’s crash became the focal point of coverage, it also underscored the challenges of mastering these powerful machines, which accelerate faster than Formula 1 cars.

As Formula E continues its push into North America with events like the Miami E-Prix, questions remain about how to capitalize on this newfound exposure. While viral moments like MrBeast's crash can attract new fans, they also risk overshadowing the championship's competitive integrity and skilled drivers.

Ultimately, if this incident brings more eyes to Formula E without undermining its reputation, it could mark a turning point for the series. Whether fans tune in to mock or marvel remains to be seen—but for now, MrBeast’s spin has electrified both social media and motorsport circles alike.