Pilots anticipate historic debut of powerboat racing in Lagos

L-R: Member, Team Blue Rising, Sarah Misir; Members, Team Bradley, Emma Kimilainen & Sam Coleman; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State Government, Gbenga Omotoso; Members, Team Brazil, Timmy Hansen & Marit Stromoy, at the Pilots’ Media session ahead of the E1 Lagos.

Lagos made history, as it welcomed the first-ever UIM E1 World Championship in Africa.

The atmosphere was already electric as RaceBird pilots from nine international teams expressed their excitement and readiness during the official media session on Thursday.

The E1 Series was the world’s first all-electric offshore powerboat championship, showcasing innovation, speed, and sustainability on water. Since its debut in Jeddah last year, the series has grown into a global spectacle, attracting the involvement of world-renowned icons as team owners and ambassadors.

The championship features some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, including Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, LeBron James, Didier Drogba, Virat Kohli, Will Smith, Steve Aoki, and Magnus Greaves.

Each of their teams will compete with top-tier pilots in Lagos as part of the global race calendar that has already stopped in Jeddah, Doha, Dubrovnik, Lago Maggiore, and Monaco.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of E1, Rodi Basso, described the Lagos GP as a milestone moment for the championship.

He noted that Lagos embodies the energy, creativity, and ambition that align perfectly with the vision of E1 to drive clean innovation while positioning the city as a global hub for sport and sustainable development.

Speaking at the session, pilots highlighted their excitement about racing in Nigeria.

Lucas Ordonez of Westbrook Racing, representing Will Smith’s team, said Lagos offers the perfect stage for a thrilling competition, while Team Brady pilots Sam Coleman and Emma Kimilainen reaffirmed their determination to defend their championship lead at this critical stage of the season.

Team Brady currently tops the standings with 135 points, followed closely by Team Rafa with 134, Team Aoki with 125, and Team Blue Rising with 114.

With the Lagos GP serving as the penultimate round before the season finale in Miami, the stakes could not be higher.

The E1 Lagos GP, proudly presented by FirstBank, will take place from October 4 to 5 and promises to deliver a spectacular showcase of speed, competition, and entertainment on water.