The UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat series, kicked off its 2025 season in spectacular fashion in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With Team Brady, led by Finnish pilot Emma Kimiläinen, securing pole position, the event has set a new benchmark for thrilling and sustainable racing on the water.
Jeddah, a city renowned for its marine culture and futuristic ambitions, hosted the E1 series’ return, marking another milestone in its journey to revolutionise waterborne motorsport.
Emma Kimiläinen leads Team Brady to the top
Team Brady, the defending “Champions of the Water,” entered the season opener with the weight of expectations on their shoulders. The team lived up to their reputation, as Kimiläinen delivered an outstanding performance in qualifying, putting them in pole position for Saturday’s race.
Reflecting on the day, Kimiläinen commented:
“As reigning champions, the pressure was always going to be on us. But as Tom [Brady] tells us, we should embrace it, and that’s exactly what we did today.”
Her skillful piloting and composure in the high-stakes session highlighted why Team Brady is the team to beat this season.
A fresh challenge from Team AlUla
Adding to the drama was the impressive debut of Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James. Despite being new to the series, the team stunned seasoned competitors with a lightning-fast qualifying time, thanks to Canadian pilot Rusty Wyatt.
Wyatt’s performance earned Team AlUla second place on the starting grid and signalled their intent to challenge for the championship. For a team entering the series just this week, the result was nothing short of remarkable.
Aoki Racing Team claims third
Completing the top three in qualifying was Aoki Racing Team, another formidable competitor in the growing E1 lineup. With nine teams now vying for supremacy in the series, the competition is tighter than ever, promising exhilarating battles on race day.
Racing in Jeddah: The spiritual home of E1
Jeddah holds a special place in the history of the E1 World Championship, being the location of its inaugural race in 2024. The Red Sea’s calm yet challenging waters and the city’s vibrant waterfront have proven to be the perfect backdrop for this groundbreaking sport.
This year’s event continues to showcase E1’s mission to combine cutting-edge technology with sustainability, using fully electric RaceBird boats designed to deliver high performance without compromising the environment.
What sets E1 apart
The UIM E1 World Championship is not just about racing; it’s about reimagining what’s possible in competitive boating. With its 100% electric powerboats, the series is championing a sustainable future for motorsport while bringing an exciting new format to fans worldwide.
The RaceBird boats, with their sleek design and advanced hydrofoil technology, skim above the water’s surface, offering an adrenaline-packed viewing experience while drastically reducing their environmental impact.
Looking ahead: A thrilling season awaits
As the countdown begins for race day, the Championship promises intense competition as teams look to establish themselves early in the season. Saturday’s race will be a crucial opportunity for Team Brady to defend their crown, but with Team AlUla and Aoki Racing Team close behind, the battle for supremacy is far from decided.
Fans and newcomers alike can expect high-speed drama, technical mastery, and a glimpse into the future of sustainable motorsport.
Don’t miss the action
For those keen to follow the journey of the E1 World Championship, race day coverage promises to be unmissable. The electrifying action in Jeddah is only the beginning, as the Championship plans to visit iconic waterways across the globe throughout the 2025 season.
From seasoned powerboat enthusiasts to those simply intrigued by the fusion of technology and sport, the E1 World Championship offers something for everyone.
Stay up-to-date right here at Boating New Zealand, we will be following the complete season for you!
