The E1 Lagos GP officially commenced on Friday with the opening ceremony held at the Lagos Motor Boat Club, Ikoyi, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flagged off the race weekend with goodwill from President Bola Tinubu.
Lagos is making history as the first African city to host the E1 Series – an all-electric powerboat race which began last year in Jeddah. The E1 is in its second season, and it is contested by nine teams with races across different cities of the world.
The iconic race with a blend of speed, culture, and mind-blowing speed showcases Lagos waterways to drive sports tourism and sustainable development. It also highlights Lagos’ blue economy potential and the state’s commitment to hosting major sporting events.
Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the impact of E1 Lagos GP while stating the state’s commitment to hosting future events, making the race a permanent event on the global E1 calendar.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alejandro Agag, said bringing E1 to Africa represents a pivotal moment in the mission to grow electric racing on the continent, making the event truly global.
African football legend Didier Drogba, who is the co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa along with Gabrielle Lemaire, is representing Africa in the global championship. The former Chelsea star expressed excitement about Africa’s first race in Nigeria.
The RaceBirds took to the Lagos Lagoon to round off the opening ceremony ahead of the race, which starts with the qualifying rounds on Saturday, while the main race will be held on Sunday.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu, in a goodwill message, expressed Nigeria’s readiness to champion Africa’s transition to clean energy and sustainability.
“This event also underscores our administration’s commitment to the blue economy as a catalyst for growth. By investing in our coastal infrastructure, marine tourism, and renewable energy, we create jobs, open new opportunities for our youth, and strengthen Nigeria’s place in the global community,” the President said in a statement.
“Let the E1 Lagos GP be more than a race. Let it signal to Nigeria, Africa, and the world that we are ready to lead in the great transition to clean energy and sustainable prosperity.”
The E1 Lagos GP set up a thrilling penultimate round in the battle to crown the 2025 Champions of the Water ahead of the season finale in Miami.
Team Brady, owned by seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, leads the championship standings by just a single point over Team Rafa, which is owned by tennis legend and 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal.