Wave Riders: Drama and Speed in the E1 Series Electrify Monaco’s Waters
Monaco’s glamorous coastline hosted a spectacular weekend of electric boat racing as the E1 Series took centre stage. The event, officially titled E1 Monaco 2024 presented by BRETT, marked a triumphant return for Team Brady, owned by NFL legend Tom Brady. The victory in Monaco, following early season wins and a stumble in Puerto Banus, places Team Brady back at the top of the championship standings.
Racing Under Pressure
Pilots Sam Coleman and Emma Kimiläinen of Team Brady faced a challenging start, struggling in Saturday’s qualifying rounds. However, they rose to the occasion during the final races on Sunday, demonstrating skill and composure under pressure. The final races saw intense competition among five top teams: Team Brady, Team Rafa, Team Blue Rising with Monegasque Lisa Caussin Battaglia, Team Drogba, and Westbrook Racing.
Dramatic Finishes and Firsts
The finals were a showcase of high stakes and dramatic turns. Team Drogba, led by pilot Yousef Al-Abdulrazzaq, secured first place in the initial race, creating a significant gap ahead of Team Brady. However, it was Team Rafa’s pilot Tom Chiappe who clinched victory in the second final race, marking their first podium finish since the Jeddah race.
Despite these individual wins, Team Brady’s consistency—finishing second in both races—earned them the overall top spot. The team was awarded their trophy by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in a celebratory ceremony at the Yacht Club de Monaco.
Navigating Controversy
The weekend wasn’t without its controversies. Team Aoki and Sergio Perez E1 Team received yellow cards for dangerous driving, their pilots now on notice for potential suspension if infractions continue. Former season leaders, Team Miami powered by Magnus, faced elimination in the Race Off with a DNF, while Team Brazil also fell before reaching the finals.
A Grand Stage for Sustainability
Adding to the event’s significance was the announcement of a new partnership between Westbrook Racing, owned by actor Will Smith, and Run Blue, a global initiative addressing the world’s water crisis. This collaboration underscores the E1 Series’ commitment to sustainability and innovation, aligning the high-tech sport with critical environmental causes.
Monaco’s Deep Ties to E1 Series
The E1 Series’ return to Monaco is more than a race; it’s a nod to the birthplace of the championship. The principality has been integral to E1’s development, from the initial agreement between E1 and the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) at the Monaco Yacht Club to the unveiling of the first RaceBird boat. This year’s race weekend echoed with this rich history, blending cutting-edge technology with Monaco’s storied motorsport tradition.
Looking Ahead
With the season’s momentum now shifting to Team Brady, the E1 Series looks ahead to upcoming races in Lake Como, Geneva, and Hong Kong. The competition is fierce, with rivals like Team Miami and Westbrook Racing poised to challenge for the top spot. As the series progresses, the blend of speed, innovation, and tradition continues to captivate audiences, promising an electrifying future for electric boat racing.
Lisa Caussin Battaglia
Amongst the 18 pilots competing was Monegasque pilot, Lisa Caussin Battaglia, racing for cricket superstar Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising. The pilot who came 7th said, ‘It’s a dream to race in my home city in what must be the most exciting and innovative racing series in the world right now….”
Charles Leclerc and Lisa share the same initials and were both born on October 16th. There is something about that date that must spawn racing genes!
E1’s ambition is to host races in the most iconic coastal cities around the world, and few are more significant than Monaco. There are several synergies between the principality and the Championship, and Monaco is a showcase event in the debut season.
“The principality is renowned globally as the home of motorsport and the capital of yachting, for its prestige as a luxury destination for the rich and famous, and for its nautical heritage – all of which align to E1’s core product. Monaco is also an international hub for the electrification of marine mobility…“
