The UIM E1 World Championship heads to Italy this week, with the E1 Lake Como GP 2026 presented by Villa d’Este taking place on 24-25 April, kicking off a three-race European swing that also includes Dubrovnik and Monaco.
E1 last raced at Lake Como in 2024, and the return is one of the season’s most anticipated stops. Few venues suit the all-electric raceboat series quite like it. The lake’s alpine backdrop, crystal-clear water and long association with luxury and exclusivity make it a natural fit for a championship that sits at the intersection of elite sport, innovation and sustainability. Race presenting partner Villa d’Este, the five-star hotel on the lake’s western shore since 1873, adds further weight to that positioning.
The European leg follows a dramatic opening round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in January, where Aoki Racing Team took victory and the early Championship lead. They head to Como with 40 points, seven clear of Team Brady in second. The Como race will also be the first since Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and NBA champion Kyle Kuzma invested in Sierra Racing Club, who currently sit fifth on 15 points.
After just one round, the standings are tight enough that Como could reshape the season picture significantly. Aoki Racing Team lead on 40 points, with Team Brady on 33 and Team AlUla championed by LeBron James third on 24. Westbrook Racing sit fourth on 19, ahead of Sierra Racing Club on 15 and Team Rafa on 13. Team Miami powered by Magnus, Team Blue Rising, Team Monaco and Team Drogba Global Africa round out the top ten, separated by just 12 points from seventh to tenth.
Kiwi foiler Micah Wilkinson and his crossover from Nacra to E1 GP
For fans on the ground, a public viewing area in Piazza Risorgimento will offer paddock access, pilot meet-and-greets and an E1 simulator across the race weekend. Those after a premium experience can access E1 Ocean Club hospitality through ticketing partner Fever, with options including a hot lap on the racecourse with an E1 reserve pilot. A bring-your-own-boat ticket also provides perimeter access for those arriving by water.
Marking the second year of Bombay Sapphire’s partnership with E1 as Official Gin Partner, a Milan Design Week activation runs until 26 April at Opificio 31, centred on an E1 RaceBird in Bombay Sapphire blue livery.
Italian viewers can watch live on DAZN or E1’s YouTube channel, with Mino Taveri commentating Saturday’s finals.
E1 CEO Jamie Copas said Lake Como is one of those places where the setting does the talking, describing the return as a privilege and expressing anticipation for seeing the RaceBirds racing again as teams fight to build an early Championship advantage.
Saturday’s final gets underway on 25 April.
