Get ready to witness the future of racing—on water! E1, the all-electric powerboat championship, has arrived in the US, and it’s shaking up the world of motorsports with its eco-conscious twist. Backed by A-list celebrities like Will Smith, Tom Brady, and Steve Aoki, this isn’t just another racing series—it’s a bold statement about sustainability, innovation, and the thrill of speed. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a high-octane sport truly be sustainable? And is this the next big thing in entertainment, or just a flashy fad? Let’s dive in.
Imagine Formula 1, but on water. That’s E1, a championship that debuted in 2024, bringing together the adrenaline of racing with a commitment to protecting our oceans and waterways. The brightly colored boats, dubbed RaceBirds, zip across open water at nearly 60 mph, leaving spectators in awe. As Dani Clos, a pilot for Steve Aoki’s team and former F1 test driver, puts it, ‘When you step into these boats, you feel like you’re in a spaceship.’ But this isn’t just about speed—it’s about revolutionizing how we think about water mobility and sustainability.
And this is the part most people miss: E1 isn’t just a racing series; it’s a movement. Cofounder Rodi Basso envisions E1 as a global championship, with races on every continent. ‘We need to be on every continent, so at least one race per continent,’ Basso told reporters. With Asia and South America currently missing from the lineup, expansion talks are already underway. The goal? Increase the number of teams from 9 to 12 and races from 7 to 15 by the 2026 season. Team Monaco is already set to join the fray, but the question remains: Can E1 scale without compromising its sustainability mission?
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: E1 is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which sees the series as a way to drive technological innovation and reduce carbon emissions. But is this a genuine commitment to sustainability, or a strategic move to greenwash a high-profile investment? The partnership with Formula E, Extreme E, and E1—all co-created by Basso’s partner Alejandro Agag—raises eyebrows. ‘We want to make sustainability cool,’ Basso says. But can a sport fueled by celebrity glitz and high-speed thrills truly lead the charge for environmental conservation?
The star power behind E1 is undeniable. Team owners include sports legends like Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, and LeBron James, alongside entertainment icons like Will Smith and Marc Anthony. Brady’s team even clinched the 2024 championship, adding another trophy to his collection. But what’s their real motivation? Basso hints at a deeper purpose: ‘They’ve invested in this sport because they believe it needs to be impactful.’ Yet, with E1 not actively seeking investors, is this a labor of love or a calculated business move?
Now, let’s talk about the racing. Each team features two pilots—one man and one woman—who alternate during race weekends. The Aoki Racing Team, for example, pairs Dani Clos with Mashael Alobaidan of Saudi Arabia. Races take place over two days, with practice and qualifying on the first day and the main event on the second. But here’s the catch: These aren’t your average boats. RaceBirds are foiling boats, equipped with underwater fins that lift the hull into the air at high speeds. ‘We literally fly above the water,’ Clos explains. But with open water comes unpredictability—waves, currents, and even cruise ships can disrupt the race. ‘You need to prepare for that and calibrate the boat,’ Clos adds. It’s a high-stakes game where precision and adaptability are key.
Sustainability is at the heart of E1, but it’s not without its challenges. Unlike Formula E, which focuses on land, E1 targets oceans and waterways. ‘Our vision is to protect and celebrate the lifestyle in coastal areas,’ Basso says. The series also champions the blue economy, aiming to balance conservation with economic growth. But can a sport that relies on high-speed boats and global travel truly be sustainable? And if so, what’s the trade-off?
As Season 2 wraps up this weekend in Miami’s Biscayne Bay, the stakes are higher than ever. Team Brady leads the championship, but Rafael Nadal’s team is hot on their heels, just three points behind. Adding to the excitement, Marc Anthony’s Team Miami will race on home waters. For Clos and his team, it’s a chance to redeem themselves after a tough few races. ‘We’re coming to Miami with an amazing mentality,’ he says. But will it be enough?
Here’s the big question for you: Is E1 the future of motorsports, or just a flashy experiment? Can it truly balance speed, sustainability, and star power? And what does its success mean for the future of water mobility and environmental conservation? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your take!
