Lewis Hamilton to enter his own team in the new all-electric Extreme E series

The six-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, on Tuesday, announced he will be entering his own team in the new electric off-road racing Extreme E competition, which aims to raise awareness on environmental issues.

“I can use my love of racing, together with my love for our planet, to have a positive impact,” Lewis Hamilton told AFP. 

Hamilton, for whom this will be his first foray into motorsport team ownership, will not drive or be involved in the day-to-day operation of his X44 team — named after his car number at Mercedes.

The 35-year-old, who is closing in on a record-equalling seventh F1 title, has been previously vocal in his support of environmental causes.

Hamilton took to Instagram to post about the state of environmental emergency in Mauritius.

“Extreme E really appealed to me because of its environmental focus,” said the British driver. “Every single one of us has the power to make a difference, and it means so much to me that I can use my love of racing, together with my love for our planet, to have a positive impact.

“Not only will we visit remote locations facing the front line of the climate crisis, but we will also work closely with these locations and leading climate experts to share our knowledge and leave behind a positive legacy in each location which goes far beyond the race track.”

Alejandro Agag, founder and CEO at Extreme E, said he was delighted with having Hamilton on board.

Extreme E is scheduled to begin in January 2021. Electric SUVs will race in the remotest locations in Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Greenland and Brazil, with each race being held across two days.

To minimise environmental impact, they will not be open to spectators and the command centre for the championship series will be a ship, modified to minimise emissions.