A first for Africa: the E1 Lagos GP electrified the Lagos Lagoon with foiling RaceBird powerboats, blending sport, sustainability, and waterfront energy. Fans, officials, and investors view the event as a milestone for Nigeria’s blue economy and a launchpad for a broader African footprint in clean-tech racing.
Team Brazil by Claure Group triumphed at the inaugural E1 Lagos Grand Prix, earning a landmark victory as Africa welcomed its first all-electric powerboat championship.
Brazilian drivers Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin led Team Brazil to a commanding win on Lagos Lagoon, with Hansen named PIF Pilot of the Race after capitalizing on their pole position from qualifying.
For the first time ever, Team Brazil are at the top of an E1 podium 🏆🇧🇷
— E1 Series (@E1Series) October 5, 2025
History made in Lagos 🇳🇬#E1Series | #E1LagosGP
Team Blue Rising, powered by Virat Kohli, finished second, while Team Drogba Global Africa, co-owned by Didier Drogba, delighted home supporters with a third-place finish.
Race officials overcame challenging tropical conditions, including a brief storm-induced delay, to deliver a safe and successful event.
The results in Lagos have significantly impacted the overall standings with one race remaining. Team Brady, led by NFL legend Tom Brady, now tops the leaderboard with 154 points, just three ahead of Team Rafa with 151 points. Team Blue Rising follows closely at 145 points, with Aoki Racing Team at 134. With only nine points separating the top three teams, the championship will be decided at the season finale in Miami on November 8, 2025.
The Lagos State Government estimates that the event generated over $100 million in revenue. Attendance peaked between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators, including more than 250 international participants.
International guests spent an estimated $150–$250 per day, with peak tourism receipts reaching $15 million. Hotels across Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, and Ikeja reported surging bookings, demonstrating the event’s broad economic impact across hospitality, transport, food, and entertainment.
E1 founder and CEO Rodi Basso celebrated the milestone, calling it “a landmark moment for our World Championship and for Africa – proving the continent's appetite for motorsport, sustainability, and technological innovation.”
Lagos lawmakers praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, emphasizing the event’s role in establishing Lagos as a destination for sustainable motorsport.
The Grand Prix drew an elite roster of team owners, including Rafael Nadal, LeBron James, Will Smith, Steve Aoki, and Virat Kohli, signaling global confidence in Africa’s ability to host major sporting events.
The E1 Series features RaceBird electric hydrofoil boats capable of 50 knots (93 km/h), elevating vessels above water to reduce drag and energy use.
The championship integrates local legacy projects such as coastal clean-ups and mangrove restoration, furthering sustainability goals. By joining the roster of host cities like Monaco and Venice, Lagos positions Nigeria at the forefront of clean energy entertainment and sustainable motorsport.
The championship will be decided at Miami Marine Stadium on November 7-8, 2025. With the top three teams separated by just nine points, the Miami Grand Prix promises a dramatic finish as contenders vie for the inaugural Champions of the Water title.
The E1 Series continues fundraising toward its 2030 sustainability agenda, with Lagos now a pivotal partner in its African expansion.
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