Lagos has become the first African city to host the E1 electric powerboat championship, with the Victoria Island Lagoon serving as the venue for the inaugural E1 Lagos GP.
- Lagos hosted the inaugural E1 electric powerboat championship, marking Africa’s debut as a venue for this event.
- The tournament featured star-studded teams backed by international celebrities like Rafael Nadal and Tom Brady.
- Races highlighted advanced hydrofoil-equipped RaceBirds and promoted sustainable energy and marine technology.
- The event positioned Lagos as a prominent player in international sustainable sporting venues.
The championship represents a significant milestone for motorsport in Africa, highlighting the continent’s capacity to host world-class events while advancing sustainability and technological innovation.
Lagos, one of Africa’s largest economic hubs, is home to the continent’s most prominent fintech companies and a vibrant, youthful population, making it an ideal stage for international sporting spectacles.
The Lagos GP now places the city alongside established global stops such as Monaco, London, Venice, Jeddah, Doha, and Miami.
Star-Studded Teams Compete on African Waters
The event brought together the world’s top Formula 2 pilots and nine celebrity-backed teams. Notable entrants included Team Rafa (Rafael Nadal), Team Brady (Tom Brady), Team AlUla (LeBron James), Team Blue Rising (Virat Kohli), Team Westbrook Racing (Will Smith), Team Brazil (Claure Group), Team Drogba Global Africa (Didier Drogba Foundation), Team Miami, and The Steve Aoki Racing Team (Dani Clos and Mashael Alobaidan).
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Lagos Strategic for E1 Expansion
According to Rodi Basso, founder and CEO of E1, the choice of Lagos was a strategic one. “Lagos brings incredible energy, creativity, and ambition that matches E1’s DNA perfectly. We’re honoured to work with local partners to create a sporting spectacle that helps drive clean innovation while elevating Lagos’ profile as a global hub for sport and sustainable development,” he said.
Following races in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Doha (Qatar), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Lagos Maggiore (Italy), and Monaco (France), the Lagos stop represents a key chapter in the E1 Series’ inaugural season, with Monaco, Miami, Jeddah, or Doha slated as the next stops on the global calendar.
National Leaders Praise Event
President Bola Tinubu described the event as “a statement of intent,” adding that it signals to the world that Nigeria and Africa are “to lead in the great transition to clean energy and sustainable prosperity.” “This championship is not merely a thrilling spectacle on water but a statement of intent,” the president said.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the impact of the E1 Lagos GP while assuring the state’s commitment to hosting future events, making the race a permanent fixture on the global E1 calendar.
Sustainable Motorsport on African Waters
Launched in 2024 and sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the E1 Series is the world’s first all-electric powerboat championship.
Featuring hydrofoil-equipped RaceBirds capable of speeds up to 50 knots, the series combines high-intensity competition with sustainability, reducing environmental impact while showcasing advanced marine technology.
The Lagos GP demonstrated Africa’s capacity to host world-class sporting events, highlighting the continent’s potential in tourism, maritime innovation, and green technology. African football legend Didier Drogba and partner Gabrielle Lemaire, instrumental in bringing the E1 Series to Africa, attended to support Team Drogba Global Africa.
The championship confirmed that Africa can stage international sporting spectacles that promote clean innovation, inspire youth, and leverage natural waterways for sport and entertainment.
