Lewis Hamilton’s X44 team, a prominent competitor in the Extreme E series, has announced its withdrawal from the championship ahead of the 2024 season, marking the end of a notable three-year stint in the electric off-road racing series. The team, founded by Hamilton in 2020 to compete in the inaugural 2021 season, aimed to leverage the series’ platform to highlight climate change issues by featuring electric SUVs in off-road races.
During its tenure, X44 faced stiff competition from teams owned by Hamilton’s former Formula 1 rival Nico Rosberg, as well as renowned IndyCar team owners Andretti and Chip Ganassi. The team showcased impressive performance, securing second place in their debut season and clinching the championship title in 2022. However, following a less successful run in 2023, where they finished fourth, the decision was made not to continue into the next season.
The team’s departure was announced in a heartfelt statement, expressing gratitude towards drivers Cristina, Fraser, and Seb, along with the entire team who contributed to their success. X44 highlighted their pride in having sparked conversations about sustainability in motorsport, promoting diversity within their ranks, and establishing a lasting legacy through initiatives like the Racing for All programme.