UIM E1 World Championship Lake Como – August 23-24, 2024
Hollywood star Will Smith celebrated a major milestone as his team, Westbrook Racing, claimed their first-ever victory at the E1 Lake Como GP, hosted by Villa d’Este.
Competing in the groundbreaking UIM E1 World Championship, the first all-electric raceboat series, Smith's team emerged victorious over Team Rafa, led by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, with both celebrities watching the action unfold together. While a lighthearted rivalry brewed over the weekend, Westbrook Racing’s Lucas Ordóñez and Sara Price delivered a stellar performance, placing Team Rafa second and Team Brazil by Claure Group in third.
This event marked Smith’s first time attending in support of his team, and after the race, he humorously remarked that his presence might be a good luck charm, suggesting he should attend every race. Elated by the win, Smith also expressed his eagerness to surpass NFL great Tom Brady’s Team Brady, which currently tops the championship standings.
"I FaceTimed Tom Brady before the race," Smith shared, "reminding him how he used to always outdo my team. But today, I made sure that didn't happen. This has been an absolute blast—the atmosphere, the people, the teams. I’m loving every moment."
Starting fourth in qualifying, Westbrook Racing delivered an impressive performance to secure their first win, with Team Brady just missing out on a podium finish in fourth place. The Finals saw fierce competition among five teams: Team Brady, Team Rafa, Team Brazil by Claure Group, Team Aoki, and Westbrook Racing.
In the opening Finals race, Lucas Ordóñez clinched a crucial victory for Westbrook Racing, while Team Rafa came in fourth. In the second race, Team Rafa’s Tom Chiappe claimed a spectacular win, earning his team back-to-back podium finishes. However, Westbrook Racing’s consistent showing across both races secured their first top finish of the season.
The UIM President, Dr. Raffaele Chiulli presenting the trophy to the first-place team, Westbrook Racing, owned by Will Smith, during the UIM E1 World Championship in Como.
Pictures by Spacesuit