A Historic Victory in Monaco
On July 20, 2025, Jamaican motorsport sensation Sara Misir etched her name into the history books by securing Team Blue Rising’s first-ever win in the UIM E1 World Championship at the Monaco Grand Prix. Alongside teammate John Peeters, Misir piloted their all-electric RaceBird vessel with precision, executing a bold early overtake and a clean joker lap strategy to triumph over a star-studded field, including teams owned by Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, and LeBron James. This victory, witnessed by a packed Monte Carlo harbor crowd, marked a pivotal moment for Misir, Team Blue Rising, and Jamaican motorsport.
From Equestrian to Motorsport Trailblazer
Sara Misir, born January 29, 1998, in St. Andrew, Jamaica, is no stranger to overcoming challenges. Before her motorsport career, she was a top-ranked junior equestrian, representing Jamaica internationally. At 16, while training for the Pan American Games, a tragic accident left her with a fractured skull and jaw, requiring six months of recovery and reconstructive surgery. Undeterred, Misir transitioned to motorsport at 18, introduced to go-karting by her father, Rugie Misir, a motorsport enthusiast. She quickly fell in love with the high-adrenaline sport, despite the steep learning curve of competing against racers with years of experience.
Misir’s motorsport journey has been marked by resilience and achievement. She has secured multiple podium finishes in Jamaica and the United States, earning the title of Jamaica’s Motorsports Athlete of the Year four times, including in 2023. Her international debut came in 2022 with the Formula Woman Team for McLaren Customer Racing in the British GT Cup Championship, making her the Caribbean’s first female professional racecar driver. Misir’s move to the E1 Series in 2025, competing in the world’s first all-electric powerboat championship, showcased her versatility and ambition.
Breaking Barriers in Electric Powerboat Racing
The E1 Series, launched in 2024, is a groundbreaking championship sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), featuring sleek, electric RaceBird boats and a gender-balanced format with male and female pilots sharing duties. Misir’s participation in this eco-conscious series aligns with her passion for water-based sports, rooted in her childhood love for powerboats and jet skiing. Her Monaco win highlights her ability to adapt to the unique challenges of electric powerboat racing, where precision and strategy are paramount on the water.
As the first Caribbean woman in the E1 Series, Misir is shattering gender and regional barriers in a male-dominated sport. Her success inspires young women and girls in Jamaica, who see her as proof that motorsport dreams are attainable. Misir has spoken about the impact she’s had, noting that many approach her in Jamaica, saying, “I want to race too.” Her presence in the E1 Series, alongside teammate John Peeters and under the banner of Team Blue Rising—co-owned by cricket legend Virat Kohli—amplifies her role as a trailblazer.
A Breakthrough Season for Team Blue Rising
Misir’s Monaco triumph was no fluke. Team Blue Rising, with Misir and Peeters at the helm, had already secured third-place finishes in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (January 25, 2025), and Lago Maggiore, Italy (June 28, 2025), positioning them fourth in the championship standings with 114 points. The Monaco victory, achieved through strategic brilliance and skillful navigation, solidified their status as contenders in a series that emphasizes sustainability and innovation. The E1 Series’ focus on eco-friendly racing resonates with Misir’s values, as she’s proud to contribute to a championship raising awareness about protecting global waterways.
What This Win Means for Jamaica
Misir’s victory is a landmark for Jamaican sports, bringing global attention to the island’s motorsport talent. Flying the black, green, and gold flag, she has become a national hero, showcasing Jamaica’s potential in cutting-edge, sustainable racing. Her achievement in Monaco, a prestigious venue synonymous with motorsport excellence, elevates Jamaica’s presence in a sport traditionally dominated by wealthier nations. As Misir prepares for upcoming races in Lagos (October 2025) and Miami (November 2025), her success continues to inspire pride and ambition in her homeland.
Sara Misir’s Monaco E1 Grand Prix win is more than a personal triumph; it’s a beacon of possibility for aspiring racers, particularly women and Caribbean athletes. With her sights set on future challenges, including potential ventures into the GT3 series, Misir remains focused on learning and growing. Her journey—from a life-altering accident to international motorsport stardom—embodies resilience, determination, and the power of chasing dreams. As she continues to break barriers in the E1 Series, Misir is not just racing; she’s redefining what’s possible for Jamaica and the world of motorsport.
