2025 Race Calendar: A Global Tour of Iconic Waterways
The season will start in Jeddah on January 24-25, under the banner of Saudi Arabia’s Electric 360 initiative, highlighting the region’s commitment to electric mobility. The championship will continue with the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP on February 21-22, and then return to Lake Como and Monaco, where breathtaking backdrops heighten the drama of the races.
The full schedule for 2025 is as follows:
- E1 Jeddah GP – January 24-25
- Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP – February 21-22
- April Event – TBA
- E1 Monaco GP – July 18-19
- E1 Lake Como GP – August 22-23
- October Event – TBA
- Finale in USA – November, exact date and location TBA
As E1 aims to engage audiences in cities across the globe, race organisers are also exploring urban coastal locations in the United States, Venice, and Sydney Harbour. This broader reach serves E1’s goal of using racing as a platform to spotlight the need for sustainable marine practices.
Pictures of the E1 Race Series ‘RaceBird’ RB01. The foiling electric race boat shown here testing for the first time.
Photo by Lloyd Images
The UIM E1 World Championships
The UIM E1 World Championships, the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, is setting a new standard in sustainable marine sports. Conceived by Alejandro Agag, a trailblazer in electric motorsport and founder of Formula E and Extreme E, the E1 World Championships unite high-speed racing with ecological responsibility, pioneering an exhilarating new era for powerboat racing on urban waterways. In collaboration with former F1 engineer Rodi Basso, Agag has extended his vision for a sustainable sporting future from land to sea, positioning E1 as an innovative leader in electric marine mobility.
The Vision Behind E1: Sustainable Racing with a Purpose
The E1 Championship was born from a drive to promote sustainable marine practices and raise awareness about ocean conservation. As climate change affects waterways and marine habitats worldwide, E1 aims to influence the public through electrifying competition while educating audiences on the need for cleaner waterways. With races hosted in some of the world’s most famous cities, E1 is designed to leave an eco-friendly mark on its host cities, implementing charging points at race venues and initiatives for coastal habitat restoration.
Pictures of the E1 Race Series ‘RaceBird’ RB01. The foiling electric race boat shown here testing for the first time.
Photo by Lloyd Images
Alejandro Agag, a pioneer of electric motorsport, recognises E1 as a means to redefine the future of marine mobility, aligning the series with the “Electric 360” initiative, an ambitious program that focuses on the advancement of electric mobility and marine conservation. Through E1, Agag and Basso aspire to revolutionise public perceptions of powerboat racing, proving that the thrill of high-speed competition can coexist with environmental responsibility.
The RaceBird: Merging Innovation and Inspiration from Nature
At the heart of the E1 World Championships is the RaceBird, a groundbreaking hydrofoil electric powerboat designed for speed, efficiency, and low environmental impact. Developed by SeaBird Technologies in partnership with the global SailGP racing league, the RaceBird is an all-electric hydrofoil vessel capable of reaching speeds up to 50 knots (93 kph). Inspired by the grace of birds skimming the water’s surface, Norwegian designer Sophi Horne crafted the RaceBird to glide just above the waves, minimising drag and enhancing energy efficiency.
Each RaceBird is powered by a 150 kW battery and an electric motor, and features a carbon-fibre chassis that reduces the boat’s weight to just 800 kilograms. Measuring seven meters in length, the RaceBird combines high-speed capabilities with sustainable design, running emission-free and setting a new benchmark for electric marine vehicles. The hydrofoils on each side lift the boat above the water, reducing friction and optimising speed while conserving energy, an essential aspect of E1’s sustainable ethos. Drivers must carefully manage their power, adding a strategic element to the competition that requires skill and foresight.
A Championship with a Purpose
Beyond the thrill of the race, the E1 World Championships advocate for positive environmental change. The championship’s mission, “to protect and regenerate coastal waters through innovative clean technologies and aquatic regeneration,” is reflected in every aspect of the series. Each race weekend offers an opportunity to engage with local communities, raise awareness, and encourage sustainable practices through educational outreach and environmental initiatives. E1 has committed to ambitious targets, aiming to elevate marine biodiversity by regenerating coastal ecosystems at each race site.
A Catalyst for Electric Boating
E1’s commitment to promoting electric boating as a viable alternative to traditional combustion engines is at the core of its vision. Alejandro Agag, inspired by the rapid advances in electric car racing, is eager to see similar progress in the marine industry. While he acknowledges that challenges lie ahead, especially with battery limitations for larger vessels, he envisions E1 as a catalyst for change in the industry.
As Agag notes, “The marine industry is where the car industry was about 10 years ago,” yet he believes that E1’s success could help inspire more widespread adoption of electric marine vehicles. The RaceBird stands as a tangible example of what sustainable marine engineering can achieve, and with its emphasis on education, E1 hopes to pave the way for a cleaner, greener future for recreational and competitive boating alike.
Racing Towards a Greener Tomorrow
The UIM E1 World Championships blend adrenaline-pumping racing with a mission of ecological stewardship, pioneering a new model for sustainable powerboat racing that could influence the marine industry for generations to come. As the series expands, drawing interest from fans of motorsports, environmental advocates, and the marine industry, E1 demonstrates the potential of electric technology to transform traditional sports. The RaceBird, with its inspired design and innovative engineering, symbolises the promise of electric marine racing—a future where the thrill of speed aligns harmoniously with the preservation of our planet’s precious waterways.
