Hammond beats May as Porsche Taycan outpaces electric plane in UK race

Richard Hammond wins race against James May’s electric plane, as Porsche Taycan Turbo GT proves faster in a nostalgic DriveTribe showdown.

Nearly two decades after their iconic Bugatti Veyron vs. Cessna race, Richard Hammond and James May are back—this time testing speed in the age of electromobility. In a nostalgic nod to their former car show, the two presenters launched a new challenge for the DriveTribe YouTube channel, pitting a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT against a Pipistrel Velis Electro. The route? From Henstridge Airfield to Dunsfold Aerodrome—ground forever etched into their shared TV history.

Hammond took the wheel of the Taycan, a four-door powerhouse boasting over 1,000 horsepower and 0–60 mph acceleration in just 2.3 seconds. May took to the skies in the Pipistrel, one of the world’s first certified electric planes. While the Porsche could handle the entire 100-mile stretch without pause, May’s aircraft was limited to a 50-minute flight range, necessitating a mid-journey recharge at Thruxton.

On paper, the contest looked balanced. In reality, it hinged on timing, wind, and human choices. The Taycan surged ahead from the start, but May’s aircraft, buoyed by a strong tailwind, made swift progress and reached the charging stop first. However, instead of a quick turnaround, James indulged in a cup of tea and a sandwich, a decision that would cost him the win.

As May’s aircraft recharged, Hammond pressed through traffic and roadworks, his Taycan gliding over tarmac with remarkable control thanks to its advanced suspension. Despite suburban delays and a rogue Kia, he crossed the finish line at Dunsfold ahead of May, who was still airborne—or worse, still chewing.

The race wrapped up not with bragging rights but with quiet satisfaction. Hammond, gin in hand, toasted his victory; May, accepting defeat with good humour, sipped his soft drink. The exchange was less about winning and more about celebrating a new kind of race—one defined not just by horsepower, but by energy strategy, infrastructure, and the curious human rituals in between.

In their own way, the presenters delivered more than a nostalgic thrill. They offered a glimpse into an electric future—where even the need for a sandwich can tip the scales.