E1 Championship kicks off the 2026 season with new venues, pilots and teams

The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF returns next weekend to kick off the 2026 season. The world’s first all-electric raceboat series will begin on the Red Sea in Jeddah, before traveling around the world in order to crown the Champions of the Water.

The fleet once again features teams owned by global A-list celebrities, including Rafa Nadal, LeBron James and Tom Brady - with Team Brady returning as two-time defending Champions.

Sam Coleman and Emma Kimiläinen beat Team Rafa, Aoki Racing Team and Team Blue Rising in a thrilling four-way title decider at last season’s finale in Miami, and Coleman is keen to make it three in a row.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of making Team Brady successful on the water. We are extremely motivated to fight for another Champions of the Water title and go for the three-peat”
Sam ColemanTeam Brady Pilot

Each team consists of one male pilot and one female pilot, and Team Rafa’s Cris Lazarraga was one of the stars of 2025.

“Being part of E1 Team Rafa is a dream. Being part of this team for the third consecutive year is crazy and I wish to be part of E1 Team Rafa for all the years that I race in E1”.
Cris LazarragaTeam Rafa Pilot

In 2026, two new teams will be joining E1 as the Championship continues to expand. Sierra Racing Club and Team Monaco will both bring experienced pilots and will be looking to be competitive from the outset.

20 year old Oban Duncan will be joining the Monaco squad, and is excited for the new team’s prospects.

“I am so excited to be a part of Team Monaco for the 2026 season. It will be a fresh start for me with a new team and I want to bring my knowledge from the previous seasons to help the team do the best we can. ”
Oban DuncanPilot for Team Drogba

Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James will be racing on home waters a year on from their E1 debut, carrying local pride and looking to build on their momentum.

New race venues, new teams and new pilots will add to the already established foundation of the E1 Championship, meaning 2026 is set to be the most competitive season so far.

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E1 Championship kicks off the 2026 season with new venues, pilots and teams

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of making Team Brady successful on the water. We are extremely motivated to fight for another Champions of the Water title and go for the three-peat”

“Being part of E1 Team Rafa is a dream. Being part of this team for the third consecutive year is crazy and I wish to be part of E1 Team Rafa for all the years that I race in E1”.

“I am so excited to be a part of Team Monaco for the 2026 season. It will be a fresh start for me with a new team and I want to bring my knowledge from the previous seasons to help the team do the best we can. ”