Six-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton will enter a team in the new Extreme E electric off-road racing championship when it begins next year.
The British racer will back the X44 team – named for his F1 car number – in the one-make series for 536bhp four-wheel-drive spaceframe racers.
Created by Formula E founder Alejandro Agag, Extreme E has been developed to highlight environmental issues and will stage a series of ‘X Prix’ events in five remote, environmentally damaged locations.
“It will be fun to have a different role from being the team driver,” said Hamilton. “What's most appealing, though, is that Extreme E will be not only raising awareness of some of the most critical environmental issues facing our planet but also doing something about it through working with local charitable organisations.”
He added: “Every single one of us has the power to make a difference, and it means to much to me that I can using my love of racing, together with my love for our planet, to have a positive impact.”
Extreme E teams are required to field two-driver teams comprising one male and one female. While there's no word on who will drive for X44 when the series starts early next year, the team indicated it will “provide opportunities to the next generation of drivers”.
X44 is the eighth team to sign up to Extreme E, joining a list including Formula E teams Techeetah, Abt, HWA and Andretti, plus leading US squad Chip Ganassi Racing.
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Extreme E: the off-road series trying to save the planet
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What's the carbon footprint
What's the carbon footprint of that old 1980's ship that Extreme-e steam around in ?
I am making a good salary
Sorry but
How does flying around the world to remote locations to drive E-Vehicles supported by non EV pit teams going to raise awareness, let me guess, they are going to offset the damage and carbon footprint by buying a few emissions tickets or planting a few trees.
Here is an idea, dont fly around the world creating damage, but plant the trees anyway, Lewis Hamilton "Hero to Zero" in the space of a few months.. Perhaps he could offset the tax he is dodging by living in Monaco, and live in the UK and actually paying tax..
Me too!
I wish I was paying the Tax he's paying, a jet set life, nothing you can't do, haven't we all thought like that from time to time?
What is stopping you Peter
Other than god like talent of course. p.s. why would you want to pay the taxes he's paying, he's almost certainly paying more than you
Peter Cavellini wrote:
Wow who "WOKE" you up?