The FIA and Extreme H launch world’s first hydrogen-powered World Cup

Taking place in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, from 9^th-11^th October 2025, the new FIA Extreme E World Cup will test hydrogen’s viability not just in vehicles, but throughout the entire event infrastructure — from paddocks and hospitality to broadcast and logistics.

Each round will run as a self-contained event, featuring heats, semi-finals, and a final, staged on demanding off-road terrain designed to push both drivers and hydrogen technology to their limits. Points will be awarded at every stage to crown the first-ever hydrogen World Cup Champion.

Extreme H builds on the legacy of its predecessor, Extreme E. In its evolution, the series has moved from using hydrogen only to charge racing cars, to powering 80 per cent of event operations. Now, with full hydrogen integration, the World Cup aims to go one step further.

Aside from the obvious innovation and sustainability goals, another key principle of the series is gender equity. Each team will field both a female and male driver — a format pioneered in Extreme E — providing more pathways for women in motorsport. 

At FOS Future Lab presented by Randox, fans got a glimpse of this ambition when the hydrogen-powered Pioneer 25 was unveiled at the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, alongside some of the sport’s stars. Catie Munnings, one driver who piloted the car up the Hill, highlighted both the safety innovation and the opportunity hydrogen racing provides for women entering the top tiers of motorsport.

Pioneer 25, engineered by Spark Racing Technology, pairs hydrogen fuel cells with battery storage and electric motors, emitting only water vapour and heat. Capable of 0–62 mph in 4.5 seconds, it produces a peak 544PS (400kW), weighs 2,200 kilograms and spans 2.4 meters in width. Its suspension system allows drivers to adjust settings on the fly for different track conditions, while standardised components across all cars ensure a level playing field.

Every aspect of the championship — from energy infrastructure to the cars’ hydrogen fuel cells — is designed to validate hydrogen’s potential in high-performance settings. By integrating sustainable energy solutions into the very backbone of motorsport, the FIA and Extreme H aim to encourage further investment into hydrogen infrastructure worldwide.

“Hydrogen fuel cells are no longer just experimental, said Xavier Mestelan Pinon, the FIA’s Chief Technology Officer. “They can deliver performance, reliability, and adaptability in the most extreme racing environments.”

Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO of Extreme H, added: “Signing this multi-year agreement with the FIA is a landmark moment for Extreme H and the future of hydrogen racing. It reinforces our mission to push the boundaries of sustainable motorsport and provide a global showcase for clean mobility solutions and gender equality on the track.”

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