Extreme H World Cup: second edition postponed to 2027

The FIA Extreme H World Cup, the hydrogen-powered off-road competition, will not run this season. The FIA and Extreme H have confirmed the postponement of the second edition, originally scheduled for 29 to 31 October 2026 at Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia. It will now take place in 2027, on a date still to be announced.

What the FIA and Extreme H say

In their joint statement, the FIA and Extreme H explain that the decision was taken as a result of "logistical and operational challenges" affecting the preparations needed to deliver the event. Both parties say they remain committed to working with their partners in Saudi Arabia to deliver the second edition of the FIA Extreme H World Cup in 2027, and thank those partners for their cooperation.

The 131 Off-Road website ties the postponement to the war in the Middle East, which has left the country in a heightened state of crisis. Speedcafe describes the World Cup as the latest in a growing list of Middle Eastern events cancelled because of the conflict in the region. The official statements themselves stick to logistical and operational difficulties.

A postponement that follows the Dakar's move

The news comes after another major decision: organiser ASO announced on Sunday that the 2027 Dakar Rally would leave Saudi Arabia. Like the first Extreme H World Cup in 2025, the second was due to be held at Qiddiya City. Jameel Motorsport won that first World Cup.

Teams affected

The delay has concrete consequences for teams. Molly Taylor was due to join Kevin Hansen at Veloce Racing, in what would have been her first major motorsport event since the birth of her first child. Those plans are now on hold until 2027. Extreme H is the hydrogen-powered series that succeeds the all-electric Extreme E.

Key points

• Original dates: 29 to 31 October 2026 at Qiddiya City (Saudi Arabia).
• New timeframe: 2027, date not announced.
• Winner of the first edition: Jameel Motorsport.
• Official reason: logistical and operational challenges, according to the joint statement from the FIA and Extreme H.
• Entered teams, including Veloce Racing, push their plans back to the 2027 season.