Rosberg and Hamilton set to rekindle F1 rivalry in Extreme E

Nico Rosberg will join former Formula 1 rival Lewis Hamilton in entering a team into the new Extreme E electric racing series.

The 2016 F1 world champion has announced the formation of Rosberg Xtreme Racing and revealed his team will contest the inaugural season of the new electric off-road racing series, which is scheduled to begin in early 2021. 

Rosberg and Hamilton have now both launched racing teams that will compete in Extreme E next year, though neither driver will drive in the series themselves. 

Rosberg Xtreme Racing has been described as an “evolution” of Team Rosberg, founded in 1994 by Nico’s father and 1982 F1 world champion, Keke Rosberg. 

Since retiring from F1 just days after he beat Hamilton to claim a maiden world championship in 2016, Rosberg has invested in a number of sustainability start-ups and is also an early investor and shareholder of Formula E. 

“We are thrilled to unveil Rosberg Xtreme Racing as the latest addition to Extreme E,” said Rosberg Xtreme Racing founder and CEO Nico Rosberg. 

“The series represents an amazing opportunity to not only drive awareness but also inspire action in the fight against climate change - the single biggest threat to our planet today. 

“Since retiring from F1 I have dedicated my career to sustainable technologies so to be able to combine these endeavours with my passion for racing is incredibly fulfilling.” 

RXR’s commitment to Extreme E extends to off-track activities and projects that will include supporting an initiative by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation which works with rural communities in Senegal to monitor water resources. 

Former E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag said: “We are ecstatic to finally announce that Rosberg Xtreme Racing will be joining our line-up for the first season of Extreme E. 

“We have been talking about this project for many months and we are thrilled he has chosen Extreme E for his formal return to motorsport as Founder and CEO of his own racing team. 

“There is clearly a great synergy between Nico’s endeavours in the sustainability field and the aims of Extreme E so his team is a hugely welcomed addition to the series.”