Rosberg shuts down Extreme E racing operation

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Rosberg X Racing, the Extreme E team founded by 2016 F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg, has announced that it has ceased its racing operations.

The decision follows the truncated conclusion of Extreme E’s final season and the series’ transition to the hydrogen-powered Extreme H for 2025.

RXR won the all-electric off-road series in its inaugural year in 2021 and claimed the Extreme E title again in 2023 with drivers Molly Taylor and Johan Kristoffersson.

The team was in contention for a third championship when the series was cut short last summer.

Despite the team’s success, Rosberg explained that the move to conclude operations felt like a natural transition point.

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“Building RXR wasn’t just about racing; it was about creating a purpose-driven team that could make a real difference,” Rosberg said.

“From our championship wins to our environmental and equality initiatives, we’ve accomplished so much together. While it’s bittersweet to close this chapter, I am proud of what we’ve achieved.”

RXR not only dominated competitively in Extreme E but also aligned closely with the series’ mission to promote sustainability and raise awareness of climate change.

The team made significant efforts to combine racing with purpose, a vision shared by Rosberg since RXR’s inception.

A Fitting Endpoint

The decision to wind down operations coincides with the shift from Extreme E to Extreme H, a hydrogen-powered evolution of the series.

RXR framed the transition as a suitable moment to conclude its racing chapter, while also wishing future Extreme H teams success in the new series.

“As RXR closes its garage doors, the values of sustainability, innovation, and purpose that defined RXR will continue,” the team said.

Managing Director of Commercial Operations Maximilian Wasler also expressed pride in RXR’s accomplishments and its broader impact.

“This chapter of RXR has been really great,” Wasler said.

“It’s rare to find a team so committed to winning and making a difference. I’m proud of our achievements and look forward to seeing how the legacy of RXR will inspire future endeavours.”

The End of a Unique Rivalry

RXR’s departure also marks the end of a unique rivalry in motorsport. Rosberg’s team had been directly competing against X44, a team founded by his former Mercedes teammate and F1 rival Lewis Hamilton.

X44 won the 2022 Extreme E championship but opted out of the 2024 season ahead of the switch to Extreme H.

As the Extreme E era ends and Extreme H begins, RXR and X44’s stories remain a testament to how motorsport can serve as a platform for both competition and progress.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.