Nico Rosberg’s Rosberg X Racing (RXR) has announced it will cease operations after four remarkable years in Extreme E, leaving behind a legacy of triumph both on and off the track. The team, renowned for its #DrivenbyPurpose ethos, was led by 2016 Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg and became the most successful outfit in the all-electric off-road series, with nine wins, two championships, and a reputation for marrying environmental activism with elite motorsport.
The End of an Era
Rosberg described the decision to close RXR as “bittersweet,” reflecting on the team’s success and its broader mission. “Building RXR wasn’t just about racing; it was about creating a purpose-driven team that could make a real difference,” he 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 first joined Extreme E in 2021, becoming one of the series’ founding teams alongside names like X44 (Lewis Hamilton), Veloce Racing, and Andretti. The team quickly made its mark, winning the inaugural championship with Johan Kristoffersson and Molly Taylor behind the wheel. Their three wins, including the historic first race in Saudi Arabia, set the tone for RXR’s dominance.
A Legacy of Excellence
With a record nine wins from 24 races, RXR’s accolades cemented its status as a powerhouse in Extreme E. The duo of Kristoffersson and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky continued the team’s success in subsequent seasons, claiming additional victories and securing the 2023 championship after a fiercely contested campaign. Åhlin-Kottulinsky reflected on her time with RXR, saying, “RXR gave me the chance to push boundaries, race with purpose, and grow in ways I never imagined. This journey has been unforgettable.”
Kristoffersson, a seven-time World Rallycross champion, echoed those sentiments. “Winning two championships was an incredible achievement, but what stands out most is the impact we made beyond racing. This has been more than a racing team; it’s been a family.”
Challenges and Transition
RXR’s 2024 season, while strong, hinted at changing dynamics in Extreme E. A win at the season-opening race in Saudi Arabia was followed by three fourth-place finishes, leaving the team third in the standings when the series paused after the Hydro X Prix in Scotland. The decision to halt the season came as Extreme E prepared to transition into Extreme H, a hydrogen-powered evolution of the series set to debut in 2025.
RXR confirmed it will not be part of this new chapter. In a team statement shared on social media, RXR wished the new Extreme H series and its competitors success, signaling the end of its participation in the sport’s green-energy revolution.
The Impact Beyond Racing
Throughout its tenure, RXR stood out for its commitment to sustainability and equality. The team planted thousands of trees, inspired younger generations, and consistently championed environmental awareness alongside its on-track achievements. Managing director Maximilian Wasler summed up the team’s ethos, saying, “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 endeavors.”
What’s Next for Extreme E and Its Stars?
As Extreme E pivots to hydrogen power, teams like Veloce Racing and SUN Minimeal have signaled their intent to stay, but RXR’s absence will leave a notable void. Kristoffersson, Åhlin-Kottulinsky, and other RXR alumni will likely find new paths in motorsport, carrying with them the legacy of a team that raced with purpose.
For Nico Rosberg, RXR’s closure doesn’t mark the end of his journey in sustainability-focused initiatives, but rather the conclusion of a transformative chapter in motorsport history. As Extreme H pioneers a new era, RXR’s legacy will serve as a benchmark for success on the track and impact beyond it.
