The world of motorsports is about to witness a groundbreaking evolution as the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and Extreme E join forces to establish the inaugural hydrogen-powered off-road racing world championship, aptly named ‘Extreme H’.
This momentous partnership is marked by the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that outlines a clear pathway for Extreme H to become an official FIA Championship starting from its debut season in 2025 – with the ultimate goal of achieving FIA World Championship status by 2026, subject to meeting certain criteria.
In addition to this exciting development, the MoU paves the way for Extreme E, an existing FIA International Series, to be officially recognized as an FIA Championship in 2024, solidifying its position as a premier motorsport category. With the huge investment being directed into Green Hydrogen around the world – including the UK – this new sport promises to showcase effective new ways of powering tomorrow's EVs.
These new motorsports are poised to join the elite ranks of only seven other official FIA World Championships – including the prestigious ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The development of the Extreme H series is already in full swing, with plans to unveil a prototype later this year, laying the foundation for its highly anticipated debut season in 2025.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, expressed his excitement about this historic partnership to the media, stating, “Establishing alongside the FIA a world-first hydrogen racing world championship will be a momentous milestone for Extreme E and the new Extreme H series. Eventual accreditation as an FIA Championship and then an FIA World Championship means we would be amongst the top tier of global motorsport categories, and Extreme H would be the first-ever world championship racing series of its kind.”
Agag continued, “What started as a conversation many years ago about racing in extreme environments, showcasing the incredible performance and innovation of E-SUVs, has now demonstrated enormous growth and further pioneering technical advances as we move forward with the transition to hydrogen and Extreme H – a world-first.”
Highlighting the sport's potential as a catalyst for innovation and sustainability, Agag added, “Sport is the most powerful and effective platform to drive innovation, and our commitment to delivering sustainable motorsport championships full of excitement and with a reduced carbon footprint are testament to that.”
In anticipation of Extreme H achieving FIA World Championship status, Agag emphasized the continuation of the series' pioneering spirit, stating, “Once it achieves FIA World Championship status, Extreme H will continue what Extreme E started as a pioneering motorsport series and we look forward to delivering another spectacular sporting product. I’d like to thank the President and the FIA for their continued support and recognition of our ambition to create a world-first for motor racing. Expect to see yet more exciting racing out on course, as well as further pushing the boundaries of new technologies in the race to tackle climate issues.”
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, also expressed his enthusiasm for this monumental partnership, telling media, “We are excited to continue working with Extreme E on their journey to becoming an FIA World Championship. Using sustainable power sources in motorsport is the key objective of the FIA and part of our long-term strategy, and this series is an ideal showcase for that.”
Highlighting the importance of hydrogen as a sustainable power source, Ben Sulayem added, “Hydrogen is an important part of that mix, and we have developed a set of safety regulations for hydrogen-powered vehicles which is part of the FIA’s International Sporting Code. It is encouraging that such a major motorsport entity as Extreme E with its renowned line-up of teams sees the same potential in hydrogen technology.”
Discussing the broader impact of the series, Ben Sulayem noted, “Motor sport competition serves as an excellent research and development platform, and this new series has great potential. Having the technology tested in the harsh environment of off-road racing in all types of conditions should benefit the whole industry and, in the longer term, make mobility more environmentally friendly for everyday users of the road.”
Extreme E, founded with a strong social purpose, has garnered attention for its commitment to minimising environmental impact while maximizing awareness. The series races in locations already affected by climate change or human interference, bringing fans closer to the pressing issues facing our planet's future.
Extreme H, set to make its mark in the world of motorsports, will carry forward this mission into the realm of hydrogen-powered off-road racing. With legendary motorsport figures such as Sir Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Jenson Button – and prominent teams like McLaren, Andretti and Chip Ganassi already involved – Extreme E, and Extreme H starting in 2025, promise to deliver thrilling racing action while championing sustainability and innovation.
This is an exciting move for motorsport and it opens up many possibilities for a future powered by green hydrogen.
