The shimmering waters of Monaco provided a fitting stage for high drama, cutting-edge innovation, and celebrity glamour as Team Blue Rising, co-owned by Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli, stormed to a historic first victory in the UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric raceboat series.
Making its return to the heart of Mediterranean yachting culture, the latest round of the E1 Series — presented by PIF — brought together not only the world’s fastest electric raceboats but also an ensemble of elite sports icons. LeBron James, Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, Didier Drogba, and Marc Anthony were all dockside, representing their teams and elevating the spectacle.
But the day belonged to Team Blue Rising. Pilots John Peeters and Sara Misir delivered an exceptional performance, mastering challenging sea conditions and fending off fierce competition from Team Brady and Team Brazil by Claure Group, who took second and third respectively.
Peeters, who was named PIF Pilot of the Race, and Misir were presented with their winners’ trophies by E1 Chairman Alejandro Agag, amid celebrations that echoed through the Monaco harbour — and across the global marine sports community.
“Congratulations to Virat, Adi, John, Sara and the whole team for securing their first-ever E1 victory,” said Agag. “The racing here in Monaco has been some of the most spectacular E1 has witnessed.”
Earlier in the weekend, Monaco’s notoriously unpredictable water conditions made headlines when C. Although pilot Tom Chiappe emerged unharmed, the incident highlighted the adrenaline and risk woven into the sport. Nadal himself called the crash “scary” while applauding the pilot’s safe return to action.
With this victory, Team Blue Rising climbs to fourth place in the championship standings, intensifying the rivalry between Team Brady, Team Rafa, and Aoki Racing at the top. Just one point separates Team Brady (134) from Team Rafa, while Blue Rising trails at 114 — promising a thrilling conclusion to the season.
As the E1 Series continues to evolve, it’s clear the championship is redefining not only high-performance electric marine technology but also the intersection of sport, sustainability, and celebrity influence.
In a country long synonymous with iconic Grand Prix racing, this latest edition of E1 in Monaco set a new benchmark — not only for competition but for what the future of luxury water sport looks like.
About the E1 Series
Launched as the world’s first fully electric raceboat championship, the UIM E1 World Championship aims to accelerate innovation in sustainable marine mobility. With celebrity-backed teams and a growing international calendar, E1 is pioneering a new wave of zero-emissions racing on water.
