In a groundbreaking moment for motorsport and sustainability, Team Brazil by Claure Group clinched a historic victory at the inaugural E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank, marking the first time the world’s only all-electric raceboat championship has been staged in Africa. The high-octane event, held on the vibrant waters of Lagos Lagoon, saw Team Brazil by Claure Group rise above fierce competition to claim the top step of the podium, fending off challenges from Team Blue Rising, owned by cricket icon Virat Kohli, which secured second place, and Team Drogba Global Africa, led by football legend Didier Drogba, which finished third. This electrifying race not only showcased cutting-edge technology and thrilling competition but also highlighted Nigeria’s growing prominence on the global motorsport stage.
The race, which drew thousands of enthusiastic fans to the waterfront, was a spectacle of speed, strategy, and sustainability, set against the backdrop of Lagos, Africa’s most populous city. The event was briefly delayed due to a tropical storm that swept over Lagos Lagoon, adding an extra layer of drama to an already intense competition. Despite the challenging conditions, Team Brazil by Claure Group, piloted by Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin, demonstrated remarkable skill and composure. Hansen, who was named the PIF Pilot of the Race, and Millere-Hagin capitalized on their pole position, secured during Saturday’s qualifying session, to navigate the stormy waters and secure their maiden victory in the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF.
This landmark win has significant implications for the championship standings as the season approaches its climactic finale in Miami in November 2025. The result has reignited the battle for the coveted Champions of the Water title, with Team Brady reclaiming the lead in the World Championship standings, setting the stage for an intense showdown with rivals Team Rafa. The close competition and unpredictable outcomes have kept fans on the edge of their seats, with the Miami finale promising to deliver some of the most thrilling racing in the championship’s history.
The E1 Lagos GP was more than just a race; it was a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and global unity. The event transformed the Lagos waterfront into a festival-like atmosphere, with thousands of spectators gathering to witness this pioneering championship. Nigeria’s hosting of the E1 race places it among an elite group of global cities, including Monaco, Dubrovnik, and Doha, that have welcomed the all-electric raceboat series. The vibrant energy of Lagos, coupled with its rich cultural heritage, provided a stunning backdrop for a championship that is redefining the future of marine motorsport.
Football legend Didier Drogba, a key figure in bringing the E1 World Championship to Africa, was a prominent presence at the event. As co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa alongside Gabrielle Lemaire, Drogba was on hand to support his team and celebrate their podium finish. His involvement underscores the championship’s mission to inspire new audiences and promote sustainable practices in regions where motorsport is gaining traction. Drogba’s passion for the sport and his commitment to advancing environmental causes resonated strongly with fans, who cheered enthusiastically as Team Drogba Global Africa secured third place.
Rodi Basso, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of E1, hailed the Lagos GP as a defining moment for the championship and the continent. “We made history in Lagos today,” Basso declared. “This weekend’s race is a landmark moment for our World Championship and for Africa – proving the continent’s appetite for motorsport, sustainability, and technological innovation. Our vision is to build a legacy here, inspiring new generations of fans and paving the way for cleaner marine mobility. Today’s racing was electric in every sense.” Basso’s words reflect the broader mission of E1 to combine high-performance racing with a commitment to environmental responsibility, using electric raceboats to showcase the potential of clean marine technology.
The E1 World Championship is unique in its fusion of high-speed competition and cutting-edge sustainability. The raceboats, powered entirely by electric propulsion, represent a bold step forward in reducing the environmental impact of motorsport. By hosting races in iconic global cities, E1 aims to inspire communities worldwide to embrace cleaner technologies and rethink traditional approaches to marine mobility. The Lagos GP, with its enthusiastic crowds and competitive racing, demonstrated that this vision is resonating with audiences far beyond the sport’s traditional strongholds.
The significance of the Lagos event extends beyond the race itself. It marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s role in global motorsport, showcasing the continent’s potential to host world-class sporting events. The successful execution of the E1 Lagos GP, despite the challenges posed by the tropical storm, highlights Nigeria’s capability to deliver high-profile international events. The collaboration with FirstBank, a leading financial institution in Nigeria, further underscored the country’s commitment to supporting innovative and sustainable initiatives.
As the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF shifts its focus to the season finale in Miami, anticipation is building for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 season. With the championship standings tightly contested, every team is vying for the prestigious Champions of the Water crown. Team Brazil by Claure Group’s victory in Lagos has bolstered their confidence, while Team Brady and Team Rafa continue their intense rivalry at the top of the leaderboard. The Miami showdown is expected to deliver unparalleled excitement, with teams pushing the limits of their electric raceboats in a bid to etch their names in motorsport history.
The Lagos GP also served as a platform to engage new generations of fans, particularly in Africa, where motorsport is gaining momentum. The festival atmosphere, coupled with the presence of global icons like Drogba and Kohli, created a unique opportunity to connect with diverse audiences. Educational initiatives and community outreach programs tied to the event emphasized the importance of sustainability and technological innovation, inspiring young people to explore careers in science, engineering, and environmental advocacy.
Looking ahead, the E1 World Championship aims to build on the success of the Lagos GP by expanding its presence in Africa and other underrepresented regions. The championship’s commitment to sustainability aligns with global efforts to combat climate change, and its innovative approach to motorsport is attracting a growing fanbase. By combining thrilling competition with a purpose-driven mission, E1 is redefining what it means to be a global sports championship.
The legacy of the E1 Lagos GP will endure long after the raceboats have left the lagoon. It has demonstrated that Africa is ready to take its place on the global motorsport stage, while also highlighting the potential for electric-powered sports to drive positive change. As the championship prepares for its Miami finale, the world will be watching to see which team emerges as the 2025 Champions of the Water. For now, Team Brazil by Claure Group can bask in the glory of their historic victory, a milestone that will be remembered as a turning point for both the E1 World Championship and the future of sustainable motorsport in Africa.
