Aston Martin F1 sponsor JCB to attempt hydrogen land speed record

JCB, a British manufacturing giant and an Aston Martin F1 sponsor, is returning to the Bonneville Salt Flats for a hydrogen-powered land speed record attempt. The FIA will officiate the run, with Wing Commander Andy Green OBE—the only person to break the sound barrier on land—behind the wheel of the purpose-built Hydromax vehicle.

Why it matters:

This attempt pushes the boundaries of sustainable high-speed motoring using hydrogen combustion engines, a technology that could influence future automotive and motorsport powertrain development. It also highlights how F1 sponsors are leveraging cutting-edge engineering to showcase alternative fuel technologies.

The details:

• JCB's Hydromax measures 32 feet and is powered by two production-based JCB hydrogen combustion engines producing a combined 1,600bhp.
• The attempt follows JCB's 2006 diesel record with Dieselmax (350.092 mph), which still stands unbroken.
• JCB has invested £100 million over five years in its hydrogen programme, testing engines in real-world applications.
• Testing will begin in the UK before heading to Bonneville SpeedWeek, the premier land speed racing event.
• FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem called it a "defining chapter" that showcases aerodynamics, engineering, and human bravery, adding that it will shape the future of high-speed sustainable motoring.
• JCB chairman Anthony Bamford emphasized showcasing British engineering and the robustness of their hydrogen engines.
• Malcolm Wilson, FIA deputy president for sport, noted the project demonstrates how record attempts continue to push engineering and innovation.

What's next:

The team will first conduct UK testing, then travel to Bonneville SpeedWeek to attempt officially recognized FIA world records. Success could demonstrate hydrogen combustion as a viable path for high-performance sustainable mobility, relevant to F1's future engine plans and the broader automotive industry.