Extreme H Hydrogen Racing World Cup to Debut in Saudi Arabia

The first hydrogen-powered off-road racing series, Extreme H, is set to debut in Saudi Arabia next month as a week-long World Cup event. The launch follows an agreement between series founder Alejandro Agag and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to replace the previously planned multi-round global championship.

Originally scheduled as a five-race season across Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, and the United States, the format was scaled back due to logistical and technological challenges. The Saudi event will now serve as the launchpad for hydrogen-powered rally racing, following the final Extreme E electric race taking place the week before.

Extreme H represents a shift away from Extreme E’s focus on remote, environmentally sensitive locations. The transition highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role in the hydrogen sector, supported by major projects in NEOM and other regions.

The series will feature rally-style timed races alongside driver head-to-head competitions. The “Hydrogen World Cup” will become an annual fixture, with plans to expand events across the region. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is expected to act as a key partner as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a global hub for hydrogen technologies.