Florida man drag races a Ferrari SF90 against a Tesla Model S Plaid and sets a new personal best time
Published on Feb 22, 2026 at 7:02 PM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Feb 20, 2026 at 5:38 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The Tesla Model S recently faced a 1,200hp Ferrari SF90 in a Florida Drag Race that ended with a stunning new Personal Best.
This heavyweight battle took place at Bradenton Motorsports Park under the heat of a clear morning session.
Both drivers arrived with specialized tires and custom setups designed to push their respective platforms to the absolute limit.
While one car relied on raw electric torque and the other on a complex hybrid V8, the final numbers on the timing slip were anything but predictable.
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Tesla Model S vs the quarter mile
The Ferrari SF90 brought to the line featured a heavy aftermarket tune and carbon fiber wheels valued at over $33,000.
This specific Ferrari SF90 had already established a reputation as one of the quickest in the world after previously running a 9.33-second quarter-mile.
To prepare for the launch, the driver of the Tesla Model S monitored battery levels and thermal settings to ensure the car could deploy its full power.
Maintaining the correct battery window is essential for a Tesla Model S to achieve maximum acceleration during high-speed passes.
These technical preparations set the stage for two competitive runs that tested the mechanical endurance of both vehicles.
During the opening Drag Race, the Tesla Model S pulled a clean gap while the Ferrari SF90 encountered a significant software issue.
The Ferrari entered a protective limp mode mid-track because the hybrid system had not reached the required operating temperature.
This allowed the Tesla Model S to finish the run with a 9.20-second elapsed time at a trap speed of 130mph.
The Ferrari owner spent the next hour warming up the powertrain to ensure the car would be ready for a second attempt.
Spectators noted the consistent delivery of the electric car compared to the more temperamental nature of the modified Italian hybrid.
The second pass proved to be a tighter contest as the Ferrari SF90 stayed under full power for the duration of the sprint.
The Ferrari driver actually left the line too early and triggered a red-light foul, which technically handed the win to the electric car.
Despite the early start from the supercar, the Tesla Model S stayed level throughout the 1,320-foot track.
The final timing slip confirmed the Tesla Model S crossed the line at 9.1 seconds, marking a significant Personal Best for the driver.
This run placed the sedan firmly ahead of the Ferrari SF90 in terms of raw acceleration on that specific day.
Ferrari SF90 Battles Electric Power
The results from this session at Bradenton show the high level of repeatability found in modern electric drivetrains.
The Tesla Model S continues to serve as a benchmark for straight-line speed in the automotive world.
Owners will likely continue to shave more time off their Personal Best as they experiment with weight reduction and better tire compounds.
The Ferrari SF90 remains an engineering masterpiece, even if it requires perfect conditions to beat a high-output electric sedan.
This rivalry illustrates the ongoing shift in the performance landscape as battery technology continues to challenge internal combustion.
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Callum has vast and varied experience, presenting a radio show and founding his own magazine to name just a couple of his accolades. In addition to his role as PR & Partnerships Coordinator, liaising with the most prestigious car brands in the world, Callum also heads up the website’s daily news. When he's not at his desk he can be found testing out the ASMR and driving UX of the latest supercar and EV launches.
