E1 returns to Monaco this weekend

13/07/2026 - 19:00 in Sport by E1 Series

Monaco is once again set to host the E1 electric raceboat World Championship with Will Smith’s team going into the weekend seeking to build on their lead in the standings.

Following back-to-back victories in Lake Como and Dubrovnik, Westbrook Racing by Visit Angola currently leads the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF, with only 12 points separating them from the pursuing reigning Champions Team Brady. Team AlUla, championed by LeBron James is in hot pursuit trailing by a further 19 points. 

The race also marks the home debut for Team Monaco who look to make their mark on Port Hercule in front of the Principality’s family, friends and fans. As one of the newest additions to the E1 grid, the team is piloted by 10-time kitesurfing French World Champion Maxime Nocher alongside Brit Oban Duncan. 

Will Smith and Kyle Kuzma are expected to be among the guests in attendance for the race to watch their rival teams compete on the water.

Following a dramatic qualifying crash in last year’s race, French pilot Tom Chiappe will be seeking redemption for Team Rafa along with Spanish teammate Cris Lazarraga. Led by tennis star Rafael Nadal, the team is currently in sixth place on 35 points and determined to nullify last year’s disappointment and make up valuable ground in the Championship.

The E1 Monaco 2026 race marks the Championship’s third visit to the Principality, one of the world’s most celebrated racing destinations and a key fixture of the 2026 season.

Since hosting its first international motorsport event in 1929, Monaco has become synonymous with elite motorsport competition. The Principality has also a deep maritime sporting tradition, shaped by its iconic harbour and long association with world-class sailing and yachting. 

A limited number of passes are available through Fever, E1’s official ticketing partner, for guests looking to experience Saturday’s race at the exclusive E1 Ocean Club, the Championship’s luxury hospitality offering.

Hosted at the world-renowned Yacht Club de Monaco, it offers unrivalled access to the racing, VIP entertainment and waterfront atmosphere.

Hublot, E1’s Official Timekeeping Partner, will exhibit its new Big Bang Summer collection in the E1 Ocean Club. Drawing inspiration from the colours of the Mediterranean, the collection combines cutting-edge ceramic technology with exceptional watchmaking savoir-faire, reflecting the shared values of innovation, performance and luxury lifestyle that unite E1 and Hublot.

The E1 Fan Zone will offer a dedicated space in Jetée Lucciana on Friday and Saturday for fans of all ages to watch the racing unfold from the shoreline. They will have the chance to see the E1 RaceBirds up close, meet some of the pilots and play the E1 simulator among other activities.

Fans around the world can follow the qualifying and races from home. Coverage will be available on TV Monaco, E1’s official broadcaster in Monaco and France who will be broadcasting from the race, as well as DAZN across much of Europe and E1’s YouTube channel.

Jamie Copas, Chief Executive Officer, E1 said: “We love coming back to Monaco and our teams, pilots and team owners are sure to have a warm welcome in what has fast become a mainstay of the E1 calendar. That’s not only because of the Principality’s storied motorsport history and amazing nautical backdrop but because they are vocal proponents for a shared vision of marine sustainability and innovation.

“Come race day on Saturday, it will be all eyes on the water as the Championship hots up and demands cool heads, fine margins, and deft strategy to beat the competition.”

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