The world’s first H₂-powered off-road racing series, Extreme H, will debut in Saudi Arabia next month as a week-long World Cup event, after organizers shifted from earlier plans for a five-round global championship.

Series founder Alejandro Agag confirmed an agreement with the FIA (International Automobile Federation), citing the unprecedented technical challenges of running full H₂ races. Unlike previous partial attempts, Extreme H represents the first pure H₂ racing competition, powered by renewable H₂ produced through electrolysis.

The event will mark the transition from Extreme E, which showcased electric SUVs in environmentally damaged locations, to a new H₂-focused format featuring rally-style races and driver head-to-heads. The inaugural edition will follow Extreme E’s final weekend in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia, backed by its Public Investment Fund (PIF) and major H₂ initiatives such as those in NEOM, will serve as the hub for the series. The World Cup is expected to become an annual fixture, with potential expansion to multiple events in the region.

Extreme E, launched in 2021, brought global attention to sustainability in motorsport, with races spanning Senegal, Greenland, Chile, and Uruguay, and high-profile involvement from Formula One champions Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg, and Lewis Hamilton. Extreme H aims to push the boundaries further, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of H₂ mobility innovation.

For the original story, visit: https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/extreme-h-debut-H2-world-cup-event-saudi-arabia-2025-09-02/