Doha, 22 February 2025 – Team Rafa, led by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, clinched their maiden victory in the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF during the Visit Qatar E1 Doha GP.
After consistently making podium finishes since the championship's inception, Team Rafa celebrated their first-place finish in front of enthusiastic fans gathered at Pearl Island.
Pilots Cris Lazarraga from Spain and Tom Chiappe from France showcased exceptional skill piloting the RaceBird, delivering thrilling performances in a fiercely competitive race day.
Their triumph catapulted them to the top of the championship leaderboard, surpassing challenges from Steve Aoki's Aoki Racing Team, winners in Jeddah last month, and Team Drogba, who secured second and third places.
Hollywood icon and owner of E1 team Westbrook Racing, Will Smith, added star power to the event and witnessed his team secure a commendable fourth place.
Expressing his emotions after the victory, Cris Lazarraga, awarded the PIF Pilot of the Race, said: "We've been striving for this win for the past year. It's been our relentless pursuit. Everything fell into place today after so much hard work."
Meanwhile, reigning champions Team Brady, supported by NFL legend Tom Brady, experienced mixed fortunes in the Finals. Finnish pilot Emma Kimiläinen dominated Final 1 with the fastest time, but teammate Sam Coleman faced challenges in Final 2, finishing fifth after a time penalty for hitting a race marker.
The 2025 season of the UIM E1 World Championship PIF continues to deliver intense competition among all nine teams mastering the art of piloting the RaceBird – the championship's premier all-electric raceboat.
The UIM E1 Doha GP showcased expert piloting, thrilling overtakes, and strategic maneuvers in each session, underscoring the competitiveness and excitement of the sport.
Reflecting on the event, E1 CEO and Co-Founder Rodi Basso commented, "Pearl Island provided a stunning backdrop for a day of exhilarating racing as the RaceBirds took flight in Qatar for the first time.
"Over 10,000 fans witnessed a race filled with drama and excitement, highlighting new champions emerging in E1. This underscores the depth of competition and sets the stage for an extraordinary season ahead."
Photos by SpaceSuit