Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday night hailed town’s debut as the primary African host of the E1 electrical powerboat race, the E1 Lagos GP, describing it as a milestone in clear power, innovation, and youth empowerment.
In a submit on X, Governor Sanwo-Olu thanked President Bola Tinubu for his goodwill message and reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to sustainability and the blue economic system.
“By becoming a member of cities like Monaco, London, and Venice on the E1 calendar, Lagos has as soon as once more proven that we’re daring, resilient, and able to take our place on the worldwide stage,” he stated.
The championship, which involves an finish on Sunday on the Victoria Island Lagoon, started Friday with a vibrant boat regatta showcasing the great thing about Lagos’ waterways.
Saturday featured qualifying trials and high-speed races, throughout which rivals demonstrated talent, precision, and teamwork.
“Lagos really shone as we hosted the world with heat, pleasure, and pleasure. I’m happy with everybody who helped make this occasion a hit and of the superb Lagosians who got here out to assist,” the governor stated.
Talking on the African Blue Financial system Summit lately, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised town’s ambition to leverage its waterways for jobs, innovation, transport, and local weather resilience.
“Internet hosting the E1 Lagos GP has proven how water can encourage sport, leisure, and massive concepts in know-how and sustainability,” he stated, noting ongoing investments in maritime infrastructure and water transport.
In an exhilarating qualifying session, Group Rafa, owned by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, secured pole place forward of Group Brady and Aoki Racing. The consequence lifted Group Rafa to the highest of the general standings with 136 factors, one forward of Group Brady on 135, whereas Aoki Racing adopted with 125 factors.
Moreover, Group Brazil, sponsored by Claure Group, earned 51 factors. Different standings embody Group Blue Rising (114), Westbrook Racing (82), Group Alula (LeBron James, 79), Group Drogba International Africa (66), and Group Miami (32).
E1 founder and CEO Rodi Basso hailed the Lagos spherical as a defining second for motorsport in Africa and for the championship’s international enlargement.
He stated, “The nice and cozy welcome in Lagos has been unimaginable. The fervour of Nigerians made this historic E1 Lagos GP introduced by FirstBank potential.
“Our ambition is to construct a motorsport legacy in Africa. This weekend’s race is only the start, and as we speak’s qualifying supplied an exhilarating preview of race day.”
1000’s of followers are anticipated on the Marina waterfront on Sunday as pleasure builds throughout Lagos.
African soccer legend Didier Drogba and accomplice Gabrielle Lemaire, instrumental in bringing the E1 Collection to Africa, will attend to assist Group Drogba International Africa.
The E1 Collection, sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), is the world’s first all-electric powerboat championship. Launched in 2024, it options hydrofoil-equipped RaceBirds that may attain speeds of as much as 50 knots whereas lowering environmental impression.
The 2025 season consists of cities resembling Jeddah, Doha, Monaco, and Miami, with Lagos marking Africa’s first look.
The occasion has attracted celebrity-backed groups, together with Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, LeBron James, Steve Aoki, Virat Kohli, and Will Smith.
Highlights of the Lagos GP, together with thrilling near-flips and high-speed manoeuvres, can be found right here: E1 Lagos GP 2025: Team Brady’s Near Flip Shocks the Crowd.
