Photo by Spacesuit Media/Jack Morrison
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Three years after Formula 1 made its debut in Miami, the city has fully embraced F1 fever. The venture has been so successful, in fact, that earlier this year, ahead of the May race at Hard Rock Stadium, F1 extended its Miami Grand Prix contract through 2041. Still, even with nearly another two decades of high-speed action to look forward to, one adrenaline-rushing race per year is not enough for some.
Enter E1, the powerboat racing series coming to Miami this weekend, sometimes described as the “electric Formula 1 of the water.”
Never heard of it? That makes sense. The series debuted in Saudi Arabia in 2024, and its Miami debut — the championship race — also marks its launch in the U.S. You might recognize some of the A-list names attached to it, including some high-profile locals.
Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know about the UIM E1 World Championship in Miami.
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What Is E1?
E1 is described as the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series. It’s sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the international governing body of powerboating, which is based in Monaco.
Where Is It?
The Miami race — the series championship — will take place at the Miami Seaplane Base, the public-use airport and historic landmark on Watson Island.
It’s Backed by Some Major Power Players.
Cofounded by former F1 engineer Rodi Basso and Formula E creator Alejandro Agag, E1 has recruited a superstar lineup of team owners, including LeBron James (Team Team AlUla), Tom Brady (Team Brady), Will Smith (Westbrook racing), Steve Aoki (Aoki Racing Team), and Marc Anthony, who leads the home team, Team Miami.
The Miami Race Is the First in the U.S.
E1 launched in 2024 with races in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Venice, Italy; Puerto Banús, Spain; Monaco, and Lake Como. This year, it returned to Jeddah and Monaco, with additional races in Doha, Qatar; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Lago Maggiore; and Lagos, Nigeria. The Miami championship is also the inaugural U.S. race.
Festivities Are Already Underway
Much like F1, E1’s city takeover began days before race weekend. On Wednesday, Team Brady E1 Series pilots joined the 4ocean Foundation for a cleanup of the racecourse in Biscayne Bay. On Thursday night, Brady and 4ocean executives are expected to appear on a panel at The Setai, Miami Beach, to discuss how “elite sport can fund measurable cleanup, accelerate the development of sustainable marine technologies and create outcomes the public can track.” And on Friday night, Bombay Sapphire will host a party at Joia Beach to celebrate E1’s Miami debut.
The UIM E1 World Championship. Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8, at Miami Seaplane Base, 1000 MacArthur Cswy., Miami; 305-442-4444. Tickets cost $1104 to $2103 via e1series.com.
