Electric motorsports are leaving the track and heading to the ocean with the launch of the UIM E1 World Championship — a high-speed “Formula One of the Sea” that’s redefining marine mobility. Backed by celebrity owners like LeBron James, Tom Brady, Will Smith, Rafael Nadal, and Virat Kohli, this new sport combines cutting-edge hydrofoil technology, zero-emission racing, and global entertainment value.
What Are RaceBirds?
The championship’s signature craft, the RaceBird, is a 24-foot (7.3m) electric hydrofoil powerboat capable of hitting 50 knots (93 km/h) thanks to a 6,000-volt engine and an innovative hull-lifting design. Inspired by how birds skim the water’s surface, RaceBirds rise over 3 feet above the waves once they reach 19.5 mph, riding on three wing-like hydrofoils that drastically reduce drag.
Key benefits of the hydrofoil design:
- Lower wave generation, which helps prevent coastal erosion.
- Reduced water resistance, enabling faster speeds.
- Up to 20 seconds of battery “boost”, pushing power output from 95 kW to 140 kW.
The Vision: From F1 Tracks to Ocean Racing
The idea for E1 was born during the COVID-19 lockdown, when Rodi Basso, a former NASA scientist and Formula 1 engineer, teamed up with Alejandro Agag, the creator of Formula E and Extreme E. Their mission: prove that electric propulsion can dominate on water just as it’s transforming road and off-road racing.
“Water mobility is contributing to pollution in a bad way… we need a solution,” Basso says. E1 aims to be that solution — combining competitive racing with an environmental restoration agenda.
The Challenges of Flying on Water
While hydrofoils give RaceBirds speed, they also introduce challenges:
- Reduced maneuverability at high speeds.
- Risk of cavitation (air bubbles under the foils), which can destabilize the boat at 50 knots.
- Extreme cockpit heat — temperatures can hit 167°F (75°C) during races.
Drivers must master split-second decisions, balancing speed, trim settings, and boost timing, often in turbulent waters created by competitors.
Where the 2025 Season Races
The 2025 E1 calendar spans seven global cities, including:
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Doha, Qatar
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Lago Maggiore, Italy
- Monaco
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Miami, USA (season finale on Nov. 8)
Each race follows a time trial qualification format, leading to a final five-boat showdown for the win.
Quiet, Clean, and Celebrity-Powered
According to E1 chief scientist Carlos Duarte, RaceBirds are 50 times quieter than traditional speedboats, reducing underwater noise that disrupts marine life. During COVID-19, even a 20% drop in ship noise led to sightings of large marine animals in areas they’d avoided for decades — proof that quieter oceans matter.
Environmental efforts include:
- Aquatic restoration projects in host cities.
- Partnerships to promote cleaner marine transport.
- Voluntary industry schemes to reduce ship noise.
Why Celebrities Matter
The E1 model leverages celebrity team owners not just for publicity, but for advocacy. Figures like Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, and Will Smith actively follow their teams and use their platforms to promote sustainability, competition, and innovation.
As Duarte puts it, scientists may lack public influence, but celebrities can amplify environmental messages to millions.
The Bigger Picture
E1 isn’t just racing — it’s a proof-of-concept for the future of clean marine transport. If electric boats can thrill audiences at 50 knots, they can also reshape ferries, coastal shipping, and recreational boating. This is about entertainment with a climate-positive legacy.
1. What is the E1 Series?
The E1 Series is the world’s first electric powerboat championship, showcasing high-speed hydrofoil racing with zero emissions.
2. How fast can E1 RaceBirds go?
RaceBirds can reach 50 knots (93 km/h) with the help of a battery boost system.
3. Who are the celebrity owners in E1?
Team owners include LeBron James, Tom Brady, Will Smith, Rafael Nadal, Sergio Pérez, and Virat Kohli.
4. Why is E1 important for the environment?
It promotes zero-emission watercraft, reduces underwater noise pollution, and invests in coastal restoration projects.
5. Where are the E1 races held?
The 2025 season features races in Jeddah, Doha, Dubrovnik, Lago Maggiore, Monaco, Lagos, and Miami.
