Famed YouTube influencer MrBeast, whose real name is James 'Jimmy' Donaldson, left fans buzzing after crashing his Formula E car during the Evo Sessions event at the Miami International Autodrome on March 6, 2025. The unexpected incident, which warranted significant media attention, highlights the often underestimated skill required to maneuver high-performance racing vehicles.
MrBeast, the most-watched YouTuber with over 370 million subscribers, was participating alongside other influencers during this creating sensation event. The Evo Sessions, which took place on March 5 and 6, provided 11 of the world's most-followed personalities the chance to drive Formula E's all-electric racers. After successfully completing his first lap, MrBeast appeared eager and confident when following the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT safety car. Unfortunately, during his second lap, he miscalculated and lost control.
While approaching Turn 1, MrBeast spun the Cupra Kiro Porsche 360 degrees, slamming it against the wall. Fortunately, he managed to emerge from the incident unscathed, aside from some bruised pride. He later expressed, "I felt like I spun four times before hitting the wall," reflecting on the mishap. After posting videos on his Instagram account detailing the event, the crash amassed over 25.3 million views within 48 hours, marking it as possibly the most-viewed individual moment of the series so far.
The ramifications of MrBeast's crash go beyond just his experience behind the wheel. It's drawn significant attention to the Formula E series, raising questions about how such influencer events might impact viewer engagement across North America. The media focus on MrBeast's accident included coverage from major outlets usually detached from Formula E, hinting at its capacity for attracting new fans—though the series faces concern over potential mockery associated with influencer involvement.
“If Evo Sessions and the remarkable coverage of MrBeast's gentle spin and crash result in new FE fans, then brilliant! More people mocking the series; it would be a setback,” noted observers of the motorsport community. This sentiment conveys how fragility exists between grasping celebrity appeal and maintaining the integrity of racing.
The Evo Sessions event, likened to celebrity appearances on game shows, allowed influencers to test their driving prowess, but it also poses challenges for the racing community as they navigate media perception. While MrBeast's attempt to engage his vast audience has undeniably brought a flood of eyes to Formula E, it also invites scrutiny over driving standards and the ability of these personalities to handle the high-octane world of motorsport.
Many might wonder where Formula E will go from this notable incident. The series doesn't require distractions from its high-quality racing or top-tier competitors being overshadowed by social media stunts. A balance is needed to engage the fans captivated by personalities like MrBeast whilst sustaining pure racing enjoyment.
The impending Miami E-Prix will serve as the next litmus test to ascertain how much impact the Evo Sessions event had on viewership and general attitudes toward the series. Despite the cringe-worthy moments from MrBeast's incident, the hope remains alive for the upcoming races to captivate fans with their thrilling racing pedigree. If they deliver without the overshadowing media antics, all could align positively for the sport.