Lagos Makes History as Nigeria Hosts Africa’s First E1 Grand Prix
Nigeria made motorsport history as Lagos became the first African city to host the E1 World Championship Grand Prix, the world’s leading all-electric powerboat racing series. The event showcased top-tier competition, cutting-edge technology, and sustainability, firmly positioning Lagos as a global hub for major sporting events.
Team Brazil, led by Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin, claimed victory on the Lagos Lagoon after a flawless performance. Despite delays caused by tropical storms, the duo maintained speed and precision throughout the races, finishing ahead of Team Blue Rising in second place and Team Drogba Global Africa—owned by African football icon Didier Drogba—in third.
In a surprising twist, season leaders Team Rafa (Rafael Nadal) and Team Brady (Tom Brady) failed to make the podium, reshaping the overall championship standings as the E1 Series moves toward its finale in Miami. Hosting the Lagos Grand Prix marked a major milestone for both Nigeria and Africa, placing Lagos alongside elite host cities such as Monaco, Venice, and Jeddah.
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E1 CEO Rodi Basso praised Lagos for its successful hosting, saying the city “demonstrated Africa’s readiness to lead in clean-energy innovation and sustainable sports.” He emphasized that every “RaceBird” powerboat runs on clean electricity using hydrofoil technology, producing zero emissions during races.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the success as “a testament to Lagos’s vision of becoming Africa’s sports and innovation capital,” adding that the event would inspire future investments in renewable energy and water sports infrastructure.
The Grand Prix was made possible through partnerships between the Lagos State Government, FirstBank Nigeria, and international sponsors supporting green technology, tourism, and youth empowerment. Economic analysts project the event will inject over $100 million into Lagos’s economy, benefiting tourism, hospitality, and small businesses.
