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Carlos Sainz and Catie Munnings Ignite the Future with Extreme H

Motorsport is taking a leap into the future with the introduction of Extreme H, the world’s first FIA World Championship racing series to feature hydrogen-powered cars. And who better to spearhead this green revolution than Spanish legend Carlos Sainz and British dynamo Catie Munnings?

Catie Munnings poses for a portrait at the launch of Extreme H on board St Helena, moored in front of Tower Bridge, London, UK on 27th June 2024. // Mark Roe / Red Bull Content Pool

The Unveiling in London

The buzz was palpable in London as the Pioneer 25, the sleek new hydrogen-powered race car, made its grand debut. With a design straight out of a sci-fi flick and the promise of 550 horsepower under the hood, this beast is set to roar across three continents in a 10-round season starting next year. Equal parts brawn and brain, the Pioneer 25 represents the dawn of a sustainable era in motorsport, with an equal number of male and female drivers ready to take on the challenge.

Sainz: A Legacy of Sustainability

Carlos Sainz, a name synonymous with speed and grit, has already made history by clinching the Dakar Rally in a hybrid-powered car. Now, as the founder of Extreme E’s ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team, Sainz is doubling down on his commitment to eco-friendly racing. “I feel an obligation to make motorsport more sustainable,” Sainz asserted, clearly ready to push the limits of what’s possible with hydrogen power.

Catie Munnings poses for a portrait at the launch of Extreme H on board St Helena, moored in front of Tower Bridge, London, UK on 27th June 2024. // Mark Roe / Red Bull Content Pool

Munnings: The Rising Star

Catie Munnings, who has been blazing trails in the Extreme E Championship, is equally pumped. With podium finishes across Saudi Arabia, Italy, and the UK, and a celebrated win in Greenland, Munnings is no stranger to high-stakes racing. “The unpredictable nature of this new series will keep things exciting,” she remarked, her enthusiasm as electrifying as the hydrogen fuel cells powering her new ride.

The Pioneer 25: A Glimpse into the Future

The Pioneer 25, revealed in all its glory on the St Helena ship moored on the River Thames, is not just a car; it’s a symbol of progress. “The car is a wider and bigger machine than we’re used to,” Munnings noted. “The suspension has improved to allow us to race in even tougher conditions. We’re all given the same car to race so it’s a pure test of your skill as a driver.”

Sainz echoed her sentiment: “Motorsport is my passion and I’m willing to give everything to this sport. I want to be part of a competitive series and to push the limits of Extreme H’s hydrogen-powered car.”

A Championship of Equality

Extreme H is not just about innovation in technology; it’s also about breaking down barriers. “This is the championship that gives female drivers the opportunity to compete at the same level as male drivers,” Sainz emphasized. The racing format is designed to ensure gender equality, making it a pioneering series in more ways than one.

Catie Munnings poses for a portrait at the launch of Extreme H on board St Helena, moored in front of Tower Bridge, London, UK on 27th June 2024. // Mark Roe / Red Bull Content Pool

The Road Ahead

With races scheduled across Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the USA, the 2025 season promises a global spectacle. Exact dates and team rosters are still under wraps, but the anticipation is building. The first public test of the Pioneer 25 is set for the Hydro X Prix in Scotland this July, followed by intensive testing during the Island X Prix in Sardinia come September.

Sainz summed it up best: “We want to create a sustainable future for motorsport and this is a clear example of how we can achieve it. The challenge is a tough one but I have total confidence in everybody involved.”

Munnings added, “The vision driving this championship is mind-blowing and we’re all excited to race hydrogen-powered cars. Extreme H is taking the lead on sustainability in motorsport.”

So, buckle up and stay tuned as Carlos Sainz and Catie Munnings lead us into a brave new world of hydrogen-powered racing. The future of motorsport has never looked this thrilling—or this green.

Quick Specs: Pioneer 25

  • Power: 550 horsepower

  • Fuel: Hydrogen fuel cells

  • Series: Extreme H FIA World Championship

  • Drivers: Equal male and female participants

  • Debut Season: 2025, 10 rounds

  • Locations: Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, UK, USA

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