Features Nigeria Tourism News Sports Tourism News Team Brazil Wins Inaugural E1 Lagos Grand Prix 2025 Familugba VictorOctober 6, 20250555 views Team Brazil, supported by the Claure Group, made history on September 5 by clinching their maiden victory at the inaugural E1 Lagos Grand Prix, the first-ever E1 Series race held on African soil. Pilots Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin delivered an outstanding performance on the Lagos Lagoon, overcoming weather delays and intense competition to lead their team through the group stages and race-off and into a thrilling final. Their strong showing, which began with a pole position secured in Saturday’s qualifying, earned Team Brazil 38 championship points, bringing their season tally to 89. They narrowly edged out Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising, which finished second. At the same time, Team Drogba Global Africa, co-owned by football legend Didier Drogba, claimed third place to complete the podium. The electrifying weekend marked Lagos as the first African city to host the E1 Electric Powerboat Championship, joining an elite roster of host cities that includes Monaco, Dubrovnik, and Doha. A passing tropical storm caused a temporary weather delay, but the event resumed with high-speed excitement, drawing thousands of spectators along the city’s waterfront. Speaking during the event’s final day, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the Grand Prix as more than a sporting competition, calling it “a showcase of innovation, resilience, and our collective commitment to clean energy.” The E1 Series is the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing championship, blending sustainable technology with world-class entertainment on water. READ MORE: Lagos State Commits to Developing Beachfront Tourism Market Best Nigerian Museums and Independence Monuments to Visit in 2025 Tinubu Appoints Olayiwola Nurudeen as NTDC Director-General to Boost Nigerian Tourism With its focus on zero-emission marine mobility, the championship has drawn global attention, spotlighting Lagos as a hub for both innovation and sports tourism. Timmy Hansen was named PIF Pilot of the Race for his standout performance, which played a key role in Team Brazil’s victory. The result has also intensified the battle for the season’s “Champions of the Water” title ahead of the finale in Miami this November. Meanwhile, Team Brady has reclaimed the overall championship lead, continuing its fierce rivalry with Team Rafa, both of whom missed the podium in Lagos. Off the water, the event celebrated community and culture. Among the crowd, Jemima Ogwerel, a local attendee, praised the event’s panel discussions. “One speaker said we should chase fashion and not money, that the money will come eventually, and if not, we should come find him. That really stayed with me,” she said. “Nigeria has so much sports talent. I think this is the beginning of something big.” Another attendee, Abiola Adetula, added, “This is putting Lagos on the international map in a way we haven’t seen before. I believe this will attract more tourists and foreigners. This one is already a success, and the next will be even bigger.” Olamide Daniel expressed her joy at being a Nigerian. According to her, hosting the E1 event this year made her proud of Lagos and, by extension, Nigeria. She said, “I’m a Lagosian. I’m from Lagos State. I feel proud. If I have the opportunity to choose Nigeria in my next life, I’ll do so. Yes, I’m a proud Nigerian. I’m a patriotic Nigerian. I mean, we’ll go around the world, but we’re coming back to Nigeria.” Drogba, who played a pivotal role in bringing the championship to Africa, celebrated his team’s podium finish alongside co-owner Gabrielle Lemaire, noting the symbolic importance of the event for the continent’s presence in global motorsport. As the chequered flag waved on a landmark weekend, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix proved to be more than just a race; it was a statement of Africa’s rising influence in sustainable innovation, sport, and global event hosting. Enjoyed this read? Discover more inspiring stories and features from around the world on Rex Clarke Adventures Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers What is the E1 Lagos Grand Prix? The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is the first-ever E1 Series race held in Africa, featuring the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing championship on Lagos Lagoon. Who won the E1 Lagos Grand Prix? Team Brazil, backed by the Claure Group and piloted by Timmy Hansen and Ieva Millere-Hagin, won the inaugural E1 Lagos Grand Prix. What is the E1 Series? The E1 Series is the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing championship, focusing on sustainable technology and zero-emission marine mobility. Why was the E1 Lagos Grand Prix significant? It marked Lagos as the first African city to host the E1 Series, highlighting Nigeria’s role in sustainable innovation and sports tourism on a global stage. What role did Lagos play in the E1 Series? Lagos hosted the inaugural E1 Lagos Grand Prix, joining elite host cities like Monaco and Doha, and showcasing its commitment to clean energy and global sports events.