What brings a football legend, a Hollywood A-lister, and a basketball champion together on water?
Not a movie set. Not a charity game. But the E1 World Championship—the world’s first electric powerboat race.
Now, it’s Africa’s turn to make waves.
This October, from the 2nd to the 5th, Lagos is hosting the E1 Grand Prix, marking the first-ever African edition of the championship. Think Formula 1 energy, but on water—sleek electric race boats cutting through the lagoon at thrilling speeds. It’s adrenaline, innovation, and sustainability all packed into one unforgettable spectacle.
E1 has already captured global attention, drawing big names from the worlds of sport and entertainment. Didier Drogba, Chelsea’s iconic striker, has joined the action with his own racing team. Will Smith brings Hollywood flair. LeBron James—arguably the face of basketball—adds his competitive fire. Even global icons like Rafael Nadal and Tom Brady have thrown their weight behind the sport.
But it’s not just about racing—it’s a cultural moment where sport, technology, and entertainment collide. And now, Lagos joins cities like Venice, Monaco, and Jeddah as a proud host.
Unlike traditional motorsports, E1 races are run on 100% electric boats. These “RaceBirds” aren’t just built for speed—they’re designed with sustainability in mind, protecting our waterways while delivering Formula 1–like thrills. It’s proof that innovation and sustainability don’t have to exist in separate worlds.
For Nigeria, this is more than just hosting a new sport—it’s about stepping onto the global stage where technology meets entertainment.
None of this would feel complete without a distinctly Nigerian touch—and that’s where FirstBank comes in. As a proud sponsor, FirstBank is helping bring this global spectacle to our shores. It’s another way the Bank connects Nigerians to world-class experiences—and it also signals the start of #DecemberIssaVybe2025: FirstBank’s annual season of concerts, festivals, stage plays, and cultural showcases that light up the holidays.
For years, DecemberIssaVybe has been the Bank’s way of giving back: offering families fun-filled moments, rewarding loyal customers, supporting the creative industry, and fuelling Nigeria’s entertainment economy. With the E1 Grand Prix, the Vybe begins early—right on the Lagos Lagoon.
The debut of the E1 Grand Prix in Africa isn’t just about who wins on the water. It’s about what it represents—global recognition, sustainability, technology, and unity. It’s about putting Nigeria on the map not just for football, music, and culture, but also for motorsport innovation.
So when the RaceBirds line up on the Lagos Lagoon and the crackle of electric speed fills the air, remember this: you’re not just watching a race—you’re witnessing history.
And with FirstBank in the mix, Nigerians aren’t just spectators—we’re part of the global conversation.
References:
Ladybird Limited
https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/home/impact/sponsorships/events/decemberissavybe/
https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/home/impact/sponsorships/partnerships-collaborations/e1-lagos-gp/
https://www.ft.com/search?q=E1%20speedboat%20racing%20circuit%20banks%20on%20star%20power
https://www.livescience.com/technology/electric-vehicles/how-racebird-flying-boats-are-bringing-evs-to-the-ocean-with-the-help-of-lebron-james-and-tom-brady
