(Motorsports news) The new pairing will see Cristina Gutiérrez and Mattias Ekström join the team for its third season in Extreme E.
Gutiérrez saw early domination in her racing career, finishing top of the female category in the All-Terrain Spanish Rally Championship for six consecutive years, and securing second place overall in the mixed gender category.
In 2017, Gutiérrez made her breakthrough in the Dakar Rally, becoming the first Spanish woman to ever finish the rally. Following the same success in 2018 and 2019, she reached greater heights when she became the second woman ever to attain a stage victory in 2021. Also in 2021, she became the FIA Crosscountry Rally champion in the T3 category, and the first woman to win a FIA Crosscountry championship.
Continuing this momentum, she went on to finish third place overall in 2022 and in January 2024 became the second woman ever to win the Dakar Rally, and first to win in the T3 Challenger category.
Gutiérrez has competed in Extreme E since its inaugural season and has a proven track record of success. Claiming one championship win for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, as well as four wins and 10 podiums over the course of the last three seasons, she has shown her skill and determination for victory in Extreme E.
Ekström, from Sweden, is a decorated driver with an impressive career, spanning continents and championships. He is a two-time DTM champion (2004 and 2007), FIA World Rallycross Champion (2016), the first PURE ETCR champion and a four-time winner of the Race of Champions (2006, 2007, 2009 and 2023). Mattias has also tried his hand in WRC, NASCAR, the Dakar Rally and V8 Supercars.
Ekström began his journey in Extreme E in its inaugural season for ABT CUPRA XE. He returned to the series in 2023, and over the course of his Extreme E career has collected two wins and six podiums, finishing runner-up in 2023 for ACCIONA | SAINZ XE Team.
Extreme E Season 4 will mark the team’s third campaign in the electric off-road championship. Over the last two years, the team has competed with Emma Gilmour and Tanner Foust, scoring two podiums during that time. The NEOM McLaren Extreme E team finished the 2023 season in eighth, with 68 points.
Cristina Gutiérrez, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, said: “I am delighted to be part of the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team for their third season in the championship. I would like to thank NEOM McLaren for counting on me to be part of this beautiful adventure with them in the Extreme E, since it is a championship that fights to give visibility and spark action to reduce the impact of climate change and promotes equality. I am very motivated to start working with the entire team. I cannot wait to get going in Saudi Arabia this month!”
Mattias Ekström, NEOM McLaren Extreme E driver, said: “I’m excited to join the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team and wear the papaya colours. McLaren Racing has huge heritage and success in motorsport, so I hope that myself, together with Cristina, can extend the success story in Extreme E. I have known Gary for many years as we used to race against each other in DTM. With him at the helm of the team, I know everyone within the team will be super motivated and ready to push for the best result.
“I believe the 2024 season will be as competitive as ever, as most of the teams have learnt a lot from previous years. I will need to adapt quickly to the new team, learn from them, while also sharing my knowledge, so we can be in front of the pack from day one.”
Gary Paffett, Sporting Director, NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, said: “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.”
Ian James, Managing Director, NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, said: “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.
“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 17-18 February in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. You can watch how the team begin their 2024 Extreme E campaign across ITV and STV in the UK, while outside of the UK please visit here for broadcaster details.
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