Old rivals Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg to go head-to-head in new Extreme E series

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will go head to head next season for the first time since their 2016 Formula 1 world title battle.

Rosberg this morning announced he was entering a team into the new-for-2021 Extreme E series with former Mercedes teammate and rival Hamilton having already committed a team to the environmentally friendly, electric series.

It will see 550-horsepower, electric SUVs compete against each other in remote environments around the world to highlight the increasing impact of climate change.

Rosberg Xtreme Racing is the latest team to enter the series just a month after Hamilton unveiled his X44 challenge.

Launching his eponymous team, Rosberg said: “We are thrilled to unveil Rosberg Xtreme Racing as the latest addition to Extreme E. The series represents an amazing opportunity to not only drive awareness but also inspire action in the fight against climate change – the biggest single 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.”

Extreme E founder and CEO Alejandro Agag, who also set up Formula E, said: “We are ecstatic to 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 great synergy between Nico’s endeavours in the sustainability field and the aims of Extreme E so his team is a hugely welcome addition to the series.”