By Gabriel Ameh
Luanda Bay will host a major milestone in electric motorsport on Sunday, September 13, as Angola stages a round of the UIM E1 World Championship for the first time.
The championship, regarded as the world’s first series contested entirely with electric boats, will bring 10 teams and 20 drivers to the Angolan capital as the title race enters its decisive stage.
The RaceBird boats use electric propulsion and hydrofoil technology to lift the hull above the water while reaching speeds of more than 80 kilometres per hour.
Following races in Jeddah, Lake Como, Dubrovnik and Monaco, the E1 championship is making its first appearance in Southern Africa, putting Luanda on an international sporting calendar alongside some of the world’s best-known waterfront destinations.
The event has also attracted global attention because of the high-profile personalities behind several teams, including Will Smith, LeBron James, Rafael Nadal, Didier Drogba and Tom Brady.
Angolan authorities say the event provides an opportunity to showcase Luanda as a tourism and investment destination while highlighting the country’s commitment to clean energy and coastal protection.
Secretary of State for Tourism Augusto Kalikemala said the international profile of the team owners would help generate global exposure for Angola and its tourism sector.
The championship also promotes the use of electric technology in high-performance water sports, demonstrating how speed and competition can be combined with zero-emission propulsion.
Will Smith’s Team Targets Historic Home Victory
Will Smith’s Westbrook Racing by Visit Angola will be one of the teams under the spotlight when the boats take to Luanda Bay.
The team adopted its Angolan identity midway through the season and will now compete on home waters, with Angolan airline TAAG joining the team as an official partner.
Westbrook Racing by Visit Angola is currently just nine points behind championship leader Team Brady, which has 119 points.
With only three race days remaining in the season, the Luanda round could have a major impact on the championship standings.
Team Brady, led by former American football star Tom Brady, is seeking a third consecutive E1 title after winning the championships in 2024 and 2025.
However, Didier Drogba’s Drogba Global Africa demonstrated the competitiveness of the series during the previous round in Monaco, securing its first victory and climbing six places in the standings.
Identical Boats Put Focus on Drivers
Unlike traditional motorsport championships where teams may develop significantly different vehicles, E1 competitors race with identical RaceBird boats.
Designed by Norwegian designer Sophi Horne, the seven-metre carbon-fibre boats are powered by 150-kilowatt electric motors and use hydrofoil technology to achieve high speeds.
Each team fields one male and one female driver, with both competing together in the same heats for championship points.
The identical equipment means driver performance, strategy and race execution are key factors in determining the outcome.
Following the Luanda race, the championship will move to Miami for its final two races on November 13 and 14.
The final rounds will determine the 2026 E1 World Championship winner, with the battle currently too close to call.
