The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Extreme H World Cup will return to Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, for its second edition from October 29-31, 2026.
The competition features hydrogen-powered, purpose-built fuel-cell race cars, with equal male and female driver pairings and an off-road format designed to test performance, reliability and clean hydrogen energy technology under demanding conditions.
The event will take place in a purpose-built off-road environment in Qiddiya City, and will combine technical terrain, short-format racing and close head-to-head competition.
At the center of the World Cup is the Pioneer 25, Extreme H’s hydrogen-powered race car. Designed for high-performance off-road competition, it uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to showcase the potential of alternative energy systems in demanding motorsport conditions. The World Cup aims to test the limits of motorsport and related industries while encouraging investment in hydrogen infrastructure and supporting progress toward a low-carbon future.
The 2026 edition will feature a multistage competition format combining time trials, head-to-head racing and wheel-to-wheel finals. Teams will first complete timed runs to establish seeding positions, before progressing through knockout duels and close-format racing.
The return of the FIA Extreme H World Cup reflects the FIA’s broader commitment to using motorsport as a testbed for innovation. By combining hydrogen technology with an international competition format, the second edition will continue to demonstrate how motorsport can support the development and understanding of alternative energy solutions.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, said, “The return of the FIA Extreme H World Cup for its second edition marks another important step in the development of hydrogen-powered motorsport. This competition provides an important platform to test hydrogen fuel cell technology in a demanding, high-performance environment, while supporting the FIA’s wider commitment to innovation, sustainability and safety.”
He continued, “Equally, its sporting format remains an important part of its identity, with male and female drivers competing together for the same honors. This reflects the FIA’s continued ambition to support competitions that explore new technologies while promoting greater opportunity and inclusion across motorsport.”
Ali Russell, the managing director of Extreme H, added, “In 2025, we launched a completely new form of motor racing, leading the way in technology, sustainability and equality. This year, together with the FIA, our partners and the support of our host, Qiddiya City, we will go faster, further and harder. Sustainable motorsport has never looked so good.”
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