The UIM E1 World Championship’s 2025 season launched with a bang in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where fans witnessed Aoki Racing Team claim a thrilling victory against a stacked field of competitors. With DJ and international music icon Steve Aoki cheering from the sidelines, his namesake team turned heads by securing its first-ever E1 win. Piloted by Saudi Arabia’s rally star Mashael Alobaidan and former Formula 1 test driver Dani Clos, Aoki Racing Team stole the show, establishing itself as an early championship contender.
A story of redemption
After a challenging 2024 season that saw the team finish eighth in the overall standings, Aoki Racing Team has re-emerged with grit and determination. The Jeddah GP served as a testament to their transformation, with Alobaidan and Clos fending off fierce challenges to clinch the event’s top spot.
Alobaidan, the homegrown hero, described the victory as “the best of her career so far,” emphasising the team’s determination to rebound from past setbacks.
“Last year, I think we placed last or close to last. It just goes to show the underdog has a chance when you have determination, passion, and love for the sport,” she said. “We retooled everything we possibly could, put our hearts into it, and now, winning this race feels like a dream come true.”
A high-stakes weekend
The two-day event in Jeddah showcased the very best of E1 racing, with nine teams battling it out in cutting-edge electric RaceBirds on the Red Sea. Designed to push the limits of marine mobility and electrification, the E1 Championship continues to captivate fans with its unique blend of speed, strategy, and sustainability.
Team Miami powered by Magnus entered the weekend as a favourite, with Erik Stark setting the fastest lap in Friday’s qualifying. However, the team’s fortunes took a nosedive during the group stages, as Stark faced a critical penalty for a lane breach during the Race Off, eliminating their chances of making the finals. Despite the setback, Stark’s teammate Anna Glennon delivered a strong performance in the Place Race, ending their weekend on a high note.
“Obviously we’re disappointed by the penalty, but I’m proud of how we finished. If you make me mad, I’ll come out swinging,” Glennon remarked, showcasing the resilience that defines E1 racing.
Aoki Racing Team rises above the rest
The final stages of the Jeddah GP were a rollercoaster of emotions. In the first final race, Team Blue Rising’s John Peeters stunned the field with a daring move from the outside lane, utilising an early long lap to secure an unlikely victory. But it was the second final race that ultimately decided the event, as Clos took charge early and never looked back. With flawless execution and a commanding lead, the Aoki Racing Team sealed its triumph in spectacular fashion.
“Amazing! Let’s gooooo!” Clos exclaimed as he crossed the finish line. “So happy. You cannot imagine, guys.”
Backing Clos and Alobaidan, the Rafael Nadal-supported Team Rafa made a remarkable comeback to claim second place, while series debutant Sara Misir of Team Blue Rising secured a well-earned podium finish in third.
Champions struggle in Jeddah
Not every team had a reason to celebrate in Jeddah. Reigning ‘Champions of the Water’ Team Brady, led by two-time titleholder Shaun Westbrook, faced mechanical challenges throughout the weekend. A left-foil issue hindered their performance, leaving them unable to mount a serious challenge for the podium.
Despite these setbacks, Team Brady remains optimistic, with the team confident in resolving the technical problems ahead of the next round in Doha.
A thrilling season ahead
The Jeddah GP has set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying season of E1 racing. CEO and co-founder of E1, Rodi Basso, highlighted the Championship’s growing collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport and Water Sports and Diving Federation.
“Fans witnessed a thrilling racing spectacle this weekend on the Red Sea. The level of competition and drama reached new heights today, as the pilots pushed the RaceBirds to their limits. We now set our sights on the next race in Doha, a landmark milestone in E1’s expansion in the Middle East,” Basso said.
The upcoming Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP will be held from February 21, and if the Jeddah GP is any indication, it’s set to deliver another weekend of intense racing and drama.
Join the excitement
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a casual enthusiast, the E1 World Championship offers a front-row seat to the future of marine racing. Stay tuned as Aoki Racing Team, Team Rafa, and Team Blue Rising continue their quest for championship glory, and don’t count out the likes of Team Brady and Team Miami powered by Magnus, who will be eager to bounce back stronger in Doha.
Follow the action and join the conversation: Who will take the top step of the podium next? Let us know your predictions, and don’t miss out on the adrenaline-packed journey ahead.
