The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today confirmed that the FIA Extreme H World Cup will return to Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia, for its second edition from 29-31 October 2026.

Following the inaugural event in 2025, the world’s first hydrogen-powered FIA World Cup will once again bring together purpose-built hydrogen fuel cell racing cars, equal male and female driver pairings and a high-intensity off-road competition format designed to test performance, reliability and clean energy technology in the most demanding of conditions.

The event will take place at Qiddiya City, which continues to establish itself as a major destination for international sport and entertainment in Saudi Arabia. Its purpose-built off-road environment will provide a demanding competitive setting for the FIA Extreme H World Cup, combining technical terrain, short-format racing and close head-to-head competition.

At the centre of the World Cup will be the Pioneer 25, Extreme H’s hydrogen-powered race car. Designed for high-performance off-road competition, the car uses hydrogen fuel cell technology to demonstrate the potential of alternative energy systems in one of motor sport’s most challenging environments. The World Cup will test the boundaries of what can be achieved in motor sport and the wider automotive and energy industries, opening up opportunities for further investment into hydrogen infrastructure by showing what is possible, and driving progress towards a low-carbon future.

The FIA Extreme H World Cup also continues to place equal opportunity at the heart of its sporting format, with every team required to field both a male and female driver. This structure ensures that drivers compete for the same honours, in the same cars and on the same course, reinforcing the FIA’s commitment to supporting more inclusive pathways in international motor sport.

The 2026 edition will feature a multi-stage 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 spotlight will be on inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup winners Kevin Hansen and Molly Taylor, who represented Jameel Motorsport in 2025 and will aim to defend their title against a world-class international field.

The return of the FIA Extreme H World Cup reflects the FIA’s wider commitment to using motor sport as a testbed for innovation. By combining hydrogen technology with a competitive international format, the second edition of the World Cup will continue to showcase how motor sport can support the development and understanding of alternative energy solutions.

H.E. 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 motor sport. 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.

“Equally, its sporting format remains an important part of its identity, with male and female drivers competing together for the same honours. This reflects the FIA’s continued ambition to support competitions that explore new technologies while promoting greater opportunity and inclusion across motorsport.”

Eng. Mansour Bin Ali Al-Mokbel, CEO of Saudi Motorsport Company, commented: “The return of Extreme H to Qiddiya City reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the future of global motorsport. This next chapter reflects a shared vision between Saudi Motorsport Company and Extreme H to advance clean energy innovation, sustainable mobility and next-generation racing. As a cornerstone of this vision, Qiddiya City provides a unique environment where technology, competition and fan experience come together at scale.

“By combining Saudi Motorsport Company’s local expertise with Extreme H’s global platform, this collaboration will support the continued growth of the World Cup across the Kingdom while creating new opportunities for partners, fans and emerging Saudi talent. as Saudi Motorsport Company continues to lead the advancement of motorsport in Saudi Arabia.”

Ali Russell, Managing Director, Extreme H, said:“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 motor sport has never looked so good.”

Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director, Qiddiya Investment Company, added, "The return of the FIA Extreme H World Cup to Qiddiya City for the second time reflects the city's growing reputation as a global destination for motorsport and world-class sports events. It reaffirms that hosting the inaugural event was a landmark moment in demonstrating Qiddiya City's capacity to stage innovative sports events that bring together competition, sustainability, and the technologies of tomorrow.

"By hosting events of this calibre, Qiddiya City continues to strengthen its role as a national and global platform for entertainment, sports, and culture, advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and elevating the Kingdom's profile on the international sports stage."

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:
Sven Good, Road Sport Communications Manager: Sgood@fia.com

About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.

About the Extreme H World Cup

The FIA Extreme H World Cup represents a bold, pioneering step forward in the transition to clean energy, showcasing cutting-edge hydrogen technology in rugged racing environments, whilst pairing one female and one male driver in every team to drive equality forwards.

The event features a thrilling new format including Time Trials, Head-to Head and Multi-Car disciplines, culminating in a winner takes all, eight-car World Cup Final.

About Qiddiya City:

Qiddiya City is the flagship project of Qiddiya Investment Company, located in the Tuwaiq Mountains, approximately 40 minutes from Riyadh. It is being developed as a global destination around the concept of the “Power of Play,” bringing together entertainment, sports, and culture in an environment unlike anywhere else on earth.

Qiddiya City will offer a high-quality lifestyle and visitor experience through hundreds of diverse events and activations. It will feature a range of world-class assets, including a global Gaming & Esports District, a state-of-the-art football and multi-purpose stadium, a championship golf course, and a dedicated motorsports venue with an innovative racetrack. The city is home to the region’s largest water park, Aquarabia, and the world record-breaking Six Flags Qiddiya City theme park.

Qiddiya City will include an integrated ecosystem of residential units, retail outlets, offices, hospitality, healthcare, and educational facilities, all within a carefully planned, smart, and sustainable urban environment designed to enhance quality of life and position Qiddiya as a leading destination for living, working, and entertainment.

For media inquiries, please contact:
press@qiddiya.com