Lagos made history over the weekend as it became the first African city to host the E1 World Championship, the world’s only all-electric powerboat racing series. The E1 Lagos Grand Prix transformed the city’s lagoon into a display of innovation and sustainability, drawing international teams and dignitaries from across the world.
Team Brazil, piloted by Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin, won the inaugural Lagos race ahead of Team Blue Rising, while Team Drogba Global Africa, co-owned by football legend Didier Drogba, finished third. The result strengthened Team Brazil’s position in the overall standings ahead of the championship finale in Miami.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the event as a milestone for Nigeria and for Africa’s growing role in sustainable innovation.
“Hosting the E1 Grand Prix is not just about sport,” he said. “It is about innovation, environmental responsibility, and putting Lagos on the global map for future-focused development.”
The governor said the race aligns with Lagos State’s Blue Economy vision to develop the city’s waterways for transport, tourism, and technology.
E1 Series co-founder and CEO Rodi Basso described Lagos as a key partner in the sport’s global expansion.
“We are incredibly pleased to move from two continents to four continents in season 2, and adding Africa in our map,” Basso said. “Lagos is very important to us. From the very first time we were interacting with the local stakeholders, we understood the energy, the drive for a change, the drive for an evolution, and how much this city cares about the future in terms of sustainability, tourism, technology and so on.”
He added that the Lagos event would set the tone for a fierce finale in the United States.
“Lagos will be… you know, the road to Miami,” Basso said. “I am sure there will be a very fierce competition, lots of action on the water because the team will want to come to Miami and try to win the championship for season 2.”
The E1 Series, sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), features RaceBirds: hydrofoiling electric boats capable of skimming above the water at more than 90 kilometres per hour. Lagos joins Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah on the championship calendar, marking a major step in the sport’s global and sustainable reach.
As the season moves to Miami, Lagos’ debut has established both the city and the continent as new players in the future of electric racing.
