FIA, F1, Extreme H to explore hydrogen’s potential in motorsport

Today, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the FIA Formula One World Championship, and Extreme H have announced their collaboration to form a joint Hydrogen Working Group. This group, featuring experts from all three entities, including Extreme E Technical Director Mark Grain, F1 Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds, and FIA Single Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis, will merge their collective expertise to explore hydrogen's potential in motorsport and broader mobility sectors.

The group's goal is to oversee the progression of hydrogen technology, focusing on fuel cells, battery systems, and its application in Extreme H's first-generation racing chassis. Additionally, the group will assess hydrogen technology's role in race site infrastructure, transportation, charging, storage and management, and its safety implications.

Extreme E, which began in 2021, is already known for its sustainable technologies and unique racing format. In March 2022, Extreme E announced its evolution into Extreme H, the first hydrogen-powered racing series, starting from the 2025 season. The development of the Extreme H series is already in motion, with a prototype hydrogen-powered chassis set to be tested by the end of this year, ahead of extensive testing in early 2024.

As part of this initiative, Extreme H will become an FIA Championship from its inaugural season in 2025, with the goal of achieving FIA World Championship status by 2026. The FIA will oversee all technical, sporting, and safety regulations for Extreme E and Extreme H.

Mark Grain commented: “It’s a privilege to work alongside Formula 1 and the FIA as we develop our world-first hydrogen racing proposition. Our transition to Extreme H positions us as pioneers in hydrogen technology in motorsport.”

Nikolas Tombazis added: “We welcome this collaboration as the governing body for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship and the upcoming FIA Extreme H Championship in 2025. We bring our experience and expertise in hydrogen technology to this Working Group.”

Pat Symonds remarked: “Our sport is adept at bringing new technologies to public awareness swiftly. With climate change at the forefront, we are exploring all decarbonisation areas, including sustainable fuels, electrification, and hydrogen. This Working Group will help us understand and develop hydrogen propulsion aspects that Extreme H will embrace.”

Extreme E and FIA Extreme H Championship from 2025 aim to minimise environmental impact while maximising awareness, racing in areas already affected by climate change or human interference. More details on the FIA Extreme H Championship and its chassis development will be revealed soon, with chassis testing to commence shortly.