The UIM E1 World Championship returns to Monaco this weekend, with Hollywood star Will Smith’s Westbrook Racing by Visit Angola arriving in the Principality at the top of the standings and Team Monaco preparing for its home race debut.
The Monaco event marks the third visit of the all-electric raceboat championship to the Principality, where the title fight is intensifying after back-to-back victories for Westbrook Racing in Lake Como and Dubrovnik. The team leads the championship by just 12 points ahead of defending champions Team Brady, owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, while Team AlUla, championed by LeBron James, sits a further 19 points behind.
Among the celebrity team owners expected to attend the Monaco race are Will Smith and NBA player Kyle Kuzma, who will be watching from Port Hercule as their teams battle for valuable championship points.
Team Monaco looks to impress on home waters
One of the weekend’s biggest storylines will be Team Monaco, which makes its home appearance in front of local supporters for the first time.
Representing the Principality are 10-time French kitesurfing world champion Maxime Nocher and British pilot Oban Duncan, who will race through the tight confines of Port Hercule against some of the world’s leading electric raceboat teams.
Last year’s Monaco race ended dramatically for Team Rafa after French pilot Tom Chiappe crashed during qualifying. This year, Chiappe returns alongside Spanish teammate Cris Lazarraga hoping to deliver a stronger result for the team owned by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, which currently occupies sixth place in the championship standings.
Racing, hospitality and fan experiences
Beyond the on-water action, spectators will be able to experience the championship from several vantage points across Monaco.
A limited number of hospitality passes remain available for the exclusive E1 Ocean Club, hosted at the Yacht Club de Monaco, offering premium waterfront viewing, entertainment and hospitality throughout race day.
Hublot, the championship’s Official Timekeeping Partner, will also unveil its new Big Bang Summer collection at the Ocean Club. Inspired by Mediterranean colours, the collection reflects the partnership’s shared focus on innovation, performance and luxury.
Meanwhile, the free E1 Fan Zone at Jetée Lucciana will be open on both Friday and Saturday, giving visitors the opportunity to get close to the electric RaceBirds, meet some of the pilots and test their skills on the E1 racing simulator.
Monaco’s place in the championship
With nearly a century of motorsport heritage dating back to its first international race in 1929, Monaco has become one of the championship’s flagship venues. Its combination of world-famous racing pedigree and strong maritime tradition continues to make the Principality a natural home for the all-electric series.
“We love coming back to Monaco and our teams, pilots and team owners are sure to have a warm welcome in what has fast become a mainstay of the E1 calendar,” said Jamie Copas, Chief Executive Officer of E1.
“That’s not only because of the Principality’s storied motorsport history and amazing nautical backdrop but because they are vocal proponents for a shared vision of marine sustainability and innovation.
“Come race day on Saturday, it will be all eyes on the water as the Championship hots up and demands cool heads, fine margins, and deft strategy to beat the competition.”
Fans unable to attend can follow qualifying and race action live on TV Monaco, the official broadcaster in Monaco and France, as well as on DAZN across much of Europe and via the E1 YouTube channel.
See also:
Dramatic crash shakes E1 Monaco as championship leaders face setback
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Photo credit: Getty Images for E1
