E1 Series, the Formula 1 of the Sea in Marbella

Marbella will be one of the global headquarters of La E1, a new sport they've dubbed the electric formula of the sea. Learn all the details.

This weekend (1st and 2nd of June), Puerto Banus will play host to an exciting weekend of racing, when it welcomes the E1 World Championships. You can expect a real spectacle, when 10 teams of sleek electric power boats take to the water for intense and exciting close-to-shore racing, with the aim of being crowned Champions of the Water. This is set to be a fantastic event and in this article, we’re giving you the lowdown on what it is and what to expect.

What is the E1 Series?

The E1 Series is the very first approved championship for electric powerboat racing. It features futuristic electric powerboats designed for close-up racing, which the ex-managing director of McLaren Motorsport Rodi Basso dreamed up with Formula E Founder Alejandro Agag in 2020. It came from a love for sailing and racing and a realization that the marine industry needed shaking up with a push for electric technology and a bit of glamor and adrenaline too. The stunning boat design was launched with fanfare in Monaco in October 2021 and will fly above the water using hydrofoils, making it quicker and delivering more exciting close quarter racing.

The ambitious aims for this series are to bring Formula E to the seas, as well as encourage commercial use of electric marine vehicles, help protect the planet and promote gender equality. It is also set to deliver exciting races and great event experiences for spectators.

The first season of the E1 Series launched in 2024 and there are 7 races in the calendar. These races are over two days, with practice sessions and shakedowns on the first day and the knockout heats and the finale taking place on the second day. Spectators will enjoy head-to-head qualifying time trials, followed by 4 quarter final races, where the last place teams will be eliminated. There will then be two knockout semi finals and the top two teams from each semi-final go onto the final, where four teams compete to be crowned champions.

It kicked off in Jeddah on the 2nd and 3rd of February, where thousands of fans enjoyed two days of high-octane action. The first win of the series went to American Football star Tom Brady’s team, with pilots Sam Coleman and Emma Kimiläinen taking the trophy for Team Brady. The series moved on to Venice next, for a weekend of racing on the 11th and 12th of May, and Team Brady took the victory once more! The third race of the season is nearly upon us, and will be taking place in Marbella on the 1st and 2nd of June. There will be further races in Geneva, Monaco, Rotterdam and Hong Kong throughout the year.

Find out more about the E1 Series Championship on their website.

Which teams compete in the E1 Series?

The championship will feature up to 10 teams, which are headed up by some big celebrity names. These include; DJ Steve Aoki, cricket star Virat Kohli, F1 driver Sergio Pérez, tennis legend Rafa Nadal, musician Marc Anthony, Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady, Entrepreneur Marcelo Claure and footballer Didier Drogba. They are leading teams of two pilots, one male and one female, who will be racing the incredible electric powerboats and competing for victory.

Find out more about the E1 Series Teams

Where and when to watch the E1 Series in Marbella?

Marbella’s prestigious Puerto Banus marina has been chosen to host the third race of the championship on the 1st and 2nd of June. It was selected, not just for its spectacular backdrop of bars, restaurants and designer shops, but also for its commitment to sustainable marine practices. Having this fantastic event here really shines the light on the hard work that the port has been putting in to becoming a sustainable marina, which saw it win a Andalucia Environmental Prize for Biodiversity.

E1 Marbella includes two days of exciting races and events featuring the iconic RaceBird electric powerboats, plus lots for fans to do on shore. The Acceleration Festival will run from 10am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday and feature lots of wonderful entertainment options and experiences.

There will be stands and delicious food on sale, live DJ playing great music, a giant screen where you can watch all the action on the water and a chill-out area. They are also promising a fun program of activities for all the family, including radio-controlled boats you can drive, which are just like miniature versions of the RaceBirds on the water.

It’s free to attend, so head on down and check it out this weekend.

Where to stay if you’re watching the E1 Series?

All the action centers around Puerto Banus’ marina for this weekend and so if you want to be within walking distance of the fun, then check out our selection of Puerto Banus vacation rentals.

If you want to be within easy reach of the racing and events, but in a more tranquil location, we’d recommend choosing a vacation rental in Nueva Andalucia. This is a predominantly residential area, famous for its fantastic golf courses, which is just up the hill from Puerto Banus. It also has some great bars and restaurants to enjoy during your stay.

Finally, a vacation rental on Marbella’s Golden Mile is another excellent option if you want to combine a visit to the E1 Series with enjoying everything Marbella has to offer. The Golden Mile links central Marbella with Puerto Banus, so you’re in the perfect location to easily reach both locations.

If you’re planning your visit and want advice on where to stay and things to do during your visit, please contact the Vacation Marbella travel experts and let us help you plan the perfect trip.

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