Team Brazil made history on Sunday by winning the E1 Lagos Grand Prix, the first-ever all-electric powerboat race held in Africa. The Brazilian team delivered a stunning performance to claim their first victory in the global E1 Series.
Racing star Timmy Hansen led Team Brazil to victory after securing pole position in Saturday’s qualifying round. The team dominated every stage of the weekend — from practice to qualifying and finally the main race — to finish ahead of Team Blue Rising, owned by Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, which came second. Team Drogba Global Africa, co-owned by Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba and Gabrielle Lemaire, finished third.
“We came to Lagos and had a fantastic time. It’s important to have the best starting lane, and we had it. Thanks to the team, I had a brilliant start, and it was smooth sailing,” Hansen told PUNCH Sports Extra.
With the Lagos win, Team Brazil earned 38 points, raising their total to 89 points and moving up to seventh place overall in the championship standings.
Although Team Brazil took the Lagos title, Team Brady — co-owned by American football star Tom Brady — remains at the top of the E1 championship table with 154 points, despite finishing fourth. Team Rafa, owned by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, placed fifth in Lagos with 17 points, bringing their season total to 151 points — just three points behind Team Brady.
Kohli’s Team Blue Rising is third in the overall standings with 145 points.
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The Lagos race marked the penultimate event of the season, ahead of the grand finale in Miami next month.
The E1 Series, which began in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last year, features fully electric powerboats that race on water without using fuel, promoting clean energy and sustainability.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who attended the event, praised the championship as a sign of progress and innovation.
“Hosting the E1 Series is not just about sports. It is about innovation, environmental responsibility, and putting Lagos on the global map for future-focused development,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The thrilling Lagos GP ended with cheers from fans as the city successfully hosted Africa’s first electric boat race — a milestone moment for both Nigeria and the continent.