E1 Lagos GP 2025: When Speed, Sustainability, Style Collide on Lagos Waters

Lagos once again proved why it is Africa’s heartbeat of innovation, energy and world-class events as the city played host to the spectacular E1 Lagos Grand Prix (GP) Championship Grand Finale on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

The adrenaline-filled water sports competition brought Victoria Island alive with the roar of electric race boats, dazzling fans and global visitors alike in a celebration of speed, sustainability and state pride.

At the heart of it all was Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Chief Host and symbolic captain of the Lagos experience, who presented the championship trophy to Team Brazil, winners of the Lagos leg of the prestigious E1 series.

The Governor’s vibrant presence at the waterfront underscored Lagos’ growing profile as not just Nigeria’s economic hub, but also a global destination for sustainable sporting innovation.

The E1 Championship is the world’s first electric powerboat racing series, combining cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly sportsmanship. The Lagos edition, themed around clean energy and marine innovation, was more than a sporting event it was a bold statement about the city’s readiness to embrace the future of sustainable recreation and tourism.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s participation wasn’t just ceremonial. It reflected his administration’s broader commitment to a greater Lagos, a vision that fuses infrastructure development, environmental consciousness and international partnership to project Lagos as a city that leads, inspires and thrives.

Spectators were treated to breathtaking moments as the world’s best electric powerboat teams battled the Lagos waves in precision and style. After several rounds of intense racing and dramatic turns, Team Brazil emerged as champions, claiming the top prize with a combination of skill, speed and sleek engineering.

The first runners-up, Team Drogba Global Africa, earned loud cheers for their resilience and sportsmanship, showcasing the continent’s competitive spirit on a global stage.

The E1 Lagos GP was not just about racing, it was a demonstration of strategic partnerships. The event drew strong backing from the Lagos State Government, First Bank of Nigeria and Afreximbank, among other sponsors, underlining how public-private collaboration is transforming Lagos into a magnet for global investment and cultural exchange.

Governor Sanwo-Olu was flanked by Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director/CEO of First Bank, and Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Afreximbank both key figures in Lagos’ expanding ecosystem of corporate support for innovation.

These partnerships reflect a shift in the city’s narrative from just being a bustling megacity to a sustainable innovation hub, where eco-friendly sports, clean energy ventures and youth empowerment projects take centre stage.

As the sun dipped over the Lagos skyline, the Victoria Island waterfront erupted in jubilation. Fireworks illuminated the evening sky as Team Brazil lifted the glittering E1 trophy, a perfect blend of athletic excellence and Lagos flair.

The victory celebrations were not only about who won on the water, but about what Lagos won on the world stage: recognition as a city capable of hosting world-class events that blend environmental responsibility with entertainment and economic opportunity.

From the breathtaking raceboats to the electric energy of the crowd, every moment reflected a city in motion; dynamic, determined and globally relevant.

The E1 Grand Prix fits seamlessly into Lagos’ long-term goal of promoting sustainability and cleaner energy practices. The use of electric-powered boats aligns with the State Government’s broader push to reduce emissions, protect the environment and promote a modern, resilient urban ecosystem.

Through initiatives like this, Lagos is setting the tone for Africa’s green transition proving that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with innovation, tourism and economic growth.

As Team Brazil’s flag waved proudly and the Governor applauded from the podium, one message rang clear: Lagos is not waiting for the future, it’s racing toward it.

The E1 Lagos GP may have been a single event, but its impact will ripple across tourism, sports, business and sustainability sectors for years to come.

With the world watching, Lagos has shown once again that it is more than a city; it’s a movement.