LAST February 1, 2024, in London, the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team unveiled its exciting new driver lineup for the upcoming 2024 season of the Extreme E Championship. Cristina Gutiérrez and Mattias Ekstrí¶m are set to join forces with the team as it embarks on its third season in the electric off-road racing series.
Gutiérrez, has made significant strides in her racing career, consistently leading the female category in the All-Terrain Spanish Rally Championship for six years and achieving notable success in mixed gender competitions. Her career milestone came in 2017 when she became the first Spanish woman to complete the Dakar Rally. She repeated this with even greater success, in the 2024 Dakar Rally, making her the first woman to triumph in the T3 Challenger category. She now has one championship win, four race victories, and 10 podium finishes.
Joining her is the Swedish racing veteran Mattias Ekstrí¶m, who has several titles, including two DTM championships, a FIA World Rallycross Championship, and multiple Race of Champions victories. Ekstrí¶m’s versatility across various motorsport disciplines, including his participation in the Dakar Rally and NASCAR, among others, showcases his adaptability and skill. In Extreme E, he has already made his mark with two wins and six podium finishes, proving his competitive edge in electric racing.
“I’m super excited to have Cristina and Mattias join the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team for the 2024 Extreme E Championship. This announcement is a testament to our commitment to the series and underlines that we are competing in Extreme E with a clear goal: fighting for the Championship..” Ian James, Managing Director, NEOM McLaren Electric Racing shared.
As the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team gears up for its third season, it looks to build on its experience, with Gutiérrez and Ekstrí¶m leading the charge. The team aims to improve on its previous performances, drawing on the new drivers’ wealth of experience and success.
Gutiérrez expressed her enthusiasm about joining the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, highlighting the championship’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting equality. She is eager to contribute to the team’s success and looks forward to competing in Saudi Arabia.
Mattias Ekstrí¶m shared his excitement about wearing McLaren’s iconic papaya colors and joining a team with a rich motorsport heritage. He anticipates a competitive 2024 season and is ready to leverage his extensive experience to achieve success with the team, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and shared knowledge in striving for top results from the outset.
“It’s great to be able to share the news that Cristina and Mattias will be joining the team for our third season in Extreme E. Both drivers have seen success and have proven track records in Extreme E, as well as other categories of racing, and with their skill and determination we’re excited to see what they can achieve this season,” Gary Paffett, Sporting Director, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team said. “Both drivers have enjoyed great success in their time in Extreme E so far. Outside of Extreme E, they have also shown their capabilities by winning several of the most prestigious motorsport championships.
“They will bring invaluable experience, raw talent and passion to the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, as well as to the wider McLaren Racing family, and will play a key role in the team achieving its goals. Welcome to the team, Cristina and Mattias!”
The NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team will be in action this month when the 2024 season begins on February 17-18 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
