Racing with a Purpose: The Idea Behind Extreme E
When I used to think of motorsport, it was all about roaring engines, high-speed chases, and petrol-fuelled adrenaline. Like many, my image of racing was dominated by the visceral thrill of powerful machines hurtling around a track, the scent of burning rubber in the air, and the unmistakable growl of combustion engines.
But that perception changed when I had the opportunity to work on the Extreme E global rally.
For me, it was a turning point. I realised motorsport could be more than a spectacle of speed. It could be a force for good. A platform for raising awareness, driving innovation in sustainable technology, and sparking vital conversations about the future of our planet.
It’s exciting to witness industries traditionally seen as carbon-heavy and indulgent beginning to embrace change, and to be part of that shift felt like a privilege.
THE CONCEPT
Founded by Alejandro Agag, the mind behind Formula E, Extreme E was born from a simple yet bold idea: to use motorsport as a stage to highlight the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges. But rather than sticking to pristine race circuits, Extreme E takes its championship to the frontlines of the climate crisis, racing in some of the world’s most remote and vulnerable ecosystems.
At its core, Extreme E is about combining thrilling motorsport with a powerful environmental message. The series races in locations directly affected by climate change — melting glaciers, deforested jungles, desertified plains — using each event to spotlight the challenges those regions face. Past race locations have included the glacial valleys of Greenland, the rainforests of Brazil, and the coastal regions of Senegal, each chosen for its environmental story.
The cars are fully electric, with identical machinery across all teams, designed to tackle the harshest off-road conditions while proving that high-performance and sustainability can coexist. The series consciously keeps its carbon footprint low, with no live spectators at races and logistics handled by a refitted, eco-friendly ship called the St. Helena, which transports all vehicles, equipment, and personnel.
BEHIND THE SCENES
At each event, I was responsible for overseeing the audio-visual operation within the central hospitality area for drivers and teams. This involved building and managing the AV systems, distributing live broadcast feeds across the site, and handling live audio mixing for bands, driver interviews, and race presentations. The role demanded technical expertise, adaptability, and the ability to deliver seamless live experiences in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
Working trackside, witnessing not only cutting-edge electric technology but also meaningful environmental initiatives, reshaped my understanding of the relationship between sport, technology, and social responsibility.
MORE THAN A RACE
Extreme E isn’t just about racing. Every event is paired with a Legacy Programme — a local initiative aimed at leaving a positive, lasting impact on the host region. From mangrove planting in Senegal to glacier preservation in Greenland, these projects ensure the series gives back to the communities and environments it visits.
The championship also leads the way for gender equality in motorsport. Each team fields one male and one female driver, sharing driving duties equally — making it one of the most balanced line-ups in professional motorsport. Female viewership also increased to 34% per cent in Season 3, rising from 29% in 2022
The overall digital audience grew further still in Season 3 as Extreme E delivered its most competitive on-track year yet. A total of 36,334 social media posts were published about the 2023 Extreme E campaign, resulting in 2.1 billion potential impressions and 109.8 million engagements. The series’ overall social media following stands at 1.2 million.”
A GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE
Extreme E represents a fresh, progressive vision of motorsport — one that acknowledges the environmental challenges we face while demonstrating the potential of electric technology in some of the toughest conditions imaginable. It’s fast, it’s fierce, and it’s fuelled by a mission.
In a world where sport often seems detached from environmental responsibility, Extreme E is a reminder that competition and conscience don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s racing with a purpose — and perhaps a glimpse into the future of motorsport.
For more information on the Extreme E rally please CLICK HERE
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