The hydrogen-powered Extreme H World Cup has been announced, and this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup has the details on when and where it will take place. I also have news on the various sustainability initiatives of the Mercedes F1 team, the demise of MotoE and much more!
Overview
Sustainable Motorsport News
FIA Partners With Siemens To Drive Innovation, Safety and Sustainability In Racing
The FIA has unveiled a significant partnership with Siemens Digital Industries Software, designating the German company as its official digital twin sponsor. This alliance aims to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of race car design by leveraging Siemens’ Xcelerator software for virtual modelling, resulting in a reduction of the need for physical prototypes and wind tunnel testing.
Engineering change: Mercedes F1 Maps a Credible Route to Sustainable Innovation
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 used Sustainability Live in London to set out a pragmatic, data-led vision for decarbonising an elite, globe-trotting sport—without sacrificing performance. Head of Sustainability Alice Ashpitel framed the team’s approach around “engineering change” on and off the track, underpinned by governance, independent assurance and fan engagement. Read more at Global Sustainable Sport.
Safeguarding Rallying’s Heritage through Climate Action at the McRae Rally Challenge
Carbon Positive Motorsport is supporting next weekend’s McRae Rally Challenge at Knockhill, celebrating rallying’s heritage while showing how climate action can help secure a sustainable future for the sport.
Stuart Gray, Knockhill Director of Events, commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with Carbon Positive Motorsport for the 3rd running of the McRae Rally Challenge at Knockhill. We have had a long-term commitment to environmental and sustainable projects at the venue. Offsetting the McRae Rally will be a statement to all competitors, spectators, the media and fans across the country of our continuing drive towards a sustainable future for motorsport.”
Sustainable Motorsport Tech
The Importance of Sustainable Fuels
Goodwood Revival Revs Up for Sustainable Fuels
Last week I mentioned how the Goodwood Revival is being powered by sustainable fuels. Motorsport UK has further details on how they have supported the move. “Goodwood is continuing to champion the technology in 2025, with all competitors at both the 82nd Members’ Meeting and the Goodwood Revival mandated to race on sustainable fuel. The Revival’s pioneering efforts were recognised with the Motorsport UK Environmental Sustainability Award, celebrating its commitment to a greener future for motorsport.”
Meet Horse, an Engine Company Filling the Gap Between Hybrids and EVs (and Powering Caterham Race Cars)
Horse engines are finding their way into a big range of interesting applications, from EV range extenders to race cars. They recently introduced their C15 engine, a 1.5-liter four-cylinder the size of carry-on luggage that makes almost 100 horsepower, designed to be a range extender for EVs. The Drive has more details.
The Northeast Team Putting Hydrogen Combustion on the Grid
In the Northeast of the UK, not far from the rush of the river Tees, swells a hydrogen revolution. Tees Valley Motorsport are ambitious, innovative, and utterly unflappable. Director and Founder Tony Lelliot took the time to talk with Driving Hydrogen about the future of the organisation and crucially, how it aligns with the future of hydrogen.
Tees Valley Motorsport has three key hydrogen cars under development: A Prokart, a Renault Clio, and a Ford Fiesta, all designed with endurance racing in mind and all retrofitted with hydrogen combustion engines. Driving Hydrogen has more details.
Series News
MotoE Cancelled After 2025 as Organizers Blame Lack of Fan Interest
MotoE will not continue beyond this season after the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) and promoter Dorna Sports confirmed a hiatus for the series. In a statement, organizers admitted the championship had been unable ‘to gain sufficient traction within our fanbase during its seven seasons of competition’. The statement added that the ‘electric performance motorcycle market has not developed as expected’, which was a key factor in the decision.
Citroën Racing joins Formula E
While concerns have been raised about the solidity of the Formula E grid for 2026 and beyond, Citroën Racing will be joining the grid in 2026. Citroën says its entry into Formula E provides a “new challenge” in “an electric, innovative and passionate adventure that embodies our values and our vision for the mobility of tomorrow.” The team has already announced the signing of drivers Jean-Eric Vergne and Nick Cassidy.
Formula E Plots Key Change to Make Pitstop Races Less Confusing
For the 2025-26 season, Formula E is considering changes to its race format, notably limiting the attack mode to a single activation during events that incorporate Pit Boost. Discussions among the FIA, teams, and drivers indicate a desire to simplify race dynamics and enhance viewer engagement, with a decision anticipated to be announced following the upcoming Formula E Commission meeting.
Why Global Companies Should Invest in China — And Why Formula E Is the Smartest Gateway
Riccardo Tafà explains why global companies should invest in China, and why Formula E is the smartest gateway to the country. “With up to four races planned in China (Shanghai, Sanya, Beijing, and Hong Kong), Formula E provides a concentrated platform that no other sport offers. That’s four opportunities to reach millions in-stadium, tens of millions on broadcast, and hundreds of millions online.”
Hydrogen-Powered Extreme H World Cup Announced
The FIA has announced the inauguration of the Extreme H World Cup which is set to run on a multi-year contract and first take place in Saudi Arabia. Building on Extreme E’s progression from using hydrogen fuel cells for car charging in Season 1, to powering 80% of its entire event operations with hydrogen by its last event in Season 4, Extreme H will showcase what can be achieved at even greater scale. The FIA Extreme H World Cup has confirmed Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, as the host location for its first event, taking place from 9 to 11 October, 2025.
The race will take place with the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, close to the site which is currently undergoing transformation to become a world-leading motorsport venue.
Audi Not Interested in a Return to V8 Engines in F1
Jonathan Wheatley, the team principal of Audi, has emphatically stated that the German automotive giant will not entertain the idea of returning to V8 engines in Formula 1. “Our position has not changed,” Wheatley asserted. “Sustainable fuels are a common point, but reverting to V8 engines would eliminate the other two crucial pillars of efficiency and hybrid technology.”
Getting to the Track Sustainably
Mercedes F1 Team Uses Electric Power to Transport W16 Cars to Zandvoort
The Mercedes F1 team transported its W16 race cars to the recent 2025 Dutch Grand Prix using an all-electric Mercedes-Benz Trucks eActros 600, among the first of its kind on the road. The Mercedes-Benz Trucks eActros 600, equipped with a powerful 600kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery and a minimum range of 500km per charge, is a game changer in sustainable transport.
Thanks to its rapid charging capabilities, allowing the trucks to jump from 20% to 80% charge in 25 minutes, the eActros 600 delivers the efficient performance and logistical reliability that aligns with the pace and precision required in Formula One.
SAF Certificates to Help Mercedes F1 Team Achieve Aviation Emissions Reduction
The Mercedes F1 team has announced their commitment to quadruple their aviation emissions reduction by the end of 2025 – through their latest investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) certificates. This announcement means that they are expecting to reduce their aviation emissions through SAF certificate purchases by a total of 18,500 tCO2e across 2024 and 2025, with 8,000 tCO2e saved in 2024 and 10,500 tCO2e saved in 2025.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
