Lagos hosted Africa’s first-ever E1 World Championship race on Saturday, marking a major milestone for the all-electric powerboat series as it continues its global expansion.

E1 boats are powered by clean, battery-driven engines and use hydrofoil technology that lifts them slightly above the water, allowing them to glide swiftly and quietly while minimising pollution.

Team Rafa — associated with tennis legend Rafael Nadal — reclaimed the overall championship lead after finishing second in Saturday’s qualifying race. The team edged ahead of NFL great Tom Brady’s Team Brady, which suffered technical issues that cost them crucial points. The title showdown now shifts to Miami for the season finale.

“The two points awarded to Team Rafa for second place in qualifying sees Rafael Nadal’s E1 team reclaim the Championship lead from Team Brady by a single point,” reads the E1 Series website.

“The NFL legend’s team suffered technical difficulties, which ended their hopes of challenging for pole position.”

Penultimate round

The Lagos event was the penultimate round of Season Two and the first to be held on African soil, following earlier races in Venice, Jeddah, and Puerto Banús. Organisers said Lagos was chosen for its “vibrancy, innovation, and alignment with E1’s values of sustainability.”

E1 Chief Executive Rodi Basso told Reuters that the series plans to expand from nine to twelve teams and increase its race calendar from seven to fifteen events.

The championship, he added, is seeking about 20 million euros (Sh3 billion) in new investment and aims to reach a valuation of 500 million euros by 2030.

“We’re not rushing, but we have a clear plan to accelerate over the next few seasons,” Basso said.

“Our ambition is to build a motorsport legacy in Africa. This weekend’s race is just the beginning, and today’s qualifying sessions have provided a thrilling taste of what’s to come on race day tomorrow.”

Basketball icon LeBron James and Ivorian football legend Didier Drogba are among celebrity team owners helping to grow the sport’s global following.

“Their reach is compelling; it’s an insurance for growth,” Basso added.