What Brought the World’s First Electric Powerboat Race to Lagos

Lagos came alive on Saturday as the E1 World Championship the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series made its historic African debut, turning the city’s lagoon into a spectacle of speed, technology, and sustainability.

The event, which marked the penultimate round of E1’s second season, brought the championship to its fourth continent. Lagos was selected, according to E1 CEO Rodi Basso, for its “energy, drive for change, and alignment with the championship’s values of sustainability, tourism, and technology.”

“This is not just about racing,” Basso said. “It’s about innovation, clean energy, and creating a new sporting culture that connects people to water in an exciting, sustainable way.”

On the water, Team Rafa, associated with tennis legend Rafael Nadal, reclaimed the championship lead from Team Brady, owned by NFL icon Tom Brady, after finishing second in Saturday’s qualifying race. Team Brady suffered technical setbacks that cost them crucial points, narrowing the title race to a single point ahead of the final showdown in Miami.

“Lagos will be the road to Miami,” Basso remarked, hinting that the Lagos GP could be the defining moment of the season.

The event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd to the Lagos lagoon, where locals and tourists gathered to witness the futuristic boats slicing through the water with minimal noise and zero emissions.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” said Tade Adekunle, a marketing professional who attended the race. “I’ve never seen this kind of water sport before — the atmosphere, the energy, everything was incredible.”

Another spectator, Sandra Chioma, a programme manager, commended the Lagos State Government and organisers for promoting tourism through such international events. “It’s amazing to see Lagosians enjoy this kind of sport. Lagos is doing a fantastic job. I’ll definitely attend again,” she said.

E1’s RaceBird boats are powered by zero-emission electric propulsion systems and use foil technology to lift above the water’s surface, reducing drag and environmental impact. Beyond racing, the E1 series has committed to supporting coastal conservation and marine research, reinforcing its mission to blend sport with sustainability.

The championship also boasts celebrity investors whose star power continues to drive its global visibility. Among them are basketball legend LeBron James and Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba. “Their reach is compelling,” Basso said. “It’s an insurance for growth.”

The Lagos race also comes at a time when the E1 Championship is expanding rapidly. The organisers plan to grow from nine to twelve teams, increase the number of races from seven to fifteen, and are currently seeking €20 million in new investment. The championship’s long-term goal is a €500 million valuation by 2030.

“We’re not in a rush,” Basso explained. “But we have a compelling plan to accelerate over the next three to four seasons.”

As the sun set over the lagoon, Lagos cemented its place in the global motorsport calendar not with roaring engines or burning fuel, but with sleek, silent, electric boats gliding over its waters.

For a city known for its energy and ambition, Saturday’s spectacle was more than a race, it was a statement of progress.