E1 set for triumphant return to Lake Como as European leg kicks off
E1 is returning to Italy for the E1 Lake Como GP 2026 presented by Villa d'Este in just a few days on 24-25 April as the 2026 season of the all-electric raceboat Championship heats up.
Following a dramatic opening round of the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Aoki Racing Team claimed victory and seized the early Championship lead, E1 now crosses to Europe for three spectacular races on the continent: Lake Como followed by Dubrovnik and Monaco.
Lake Como represents E1's much-anticipated return to one of its most iconic venues, having previously captivated fans in 2024. The race on Saturday April 25 will cement its status as one of the Championship's most sought-after stops on the global racing calendar.
Few locations embody the spirit of E1 quite like Lake Como. For centuries, the lake has been synonymous with luxury, exclusivity and understated elegance - a retreat for royalty, Hollywood stars and the global elite. Its crystal-clear waters, framed by the soaring Alps, provide a backdrop unlike any other in motorsport.
Race presenting partner Villa d'Este - the world-renowned five-star hotel that has graced the lake's western shore since 1873 - brings unparalleled prestige to the event. The partnership underscores E1's unique positioning at the intersection of elite sport, innovation and luxury lifestyle.
The Championship continues to attract the biggest names in global sport and entertainment. Lake Como will mark the first race since Real Madrid’s world-class goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and NBA Champion Kyle Kuzma invested in E1 team Sierra Racing Club. They join the likes of Rafael Nadal, Tom Brady, Will Smith and Didier Drogba in backing the sport.
Off the water, there will be a public viewing area located in the nearby Piazza Risorgimento to welcome fans of all ages throughout the race weekend with chances to see the E1 RaceBird paddock up close, meet some of the pilots and play the E1 simulator among other activities.
For fans seeking the ultimate race-day experience, E1’s Official Ticketing Partner Fever is offering limited numbers of exclusive E1 Ocean Club passes, giving guests unrivalled views of the racing action from a luxury hospitality setting.
For an even more thrilling experience, guests can choose to upgrade their experience with selected ticket packages including an exclusive Hot Lap: an on-water experience where you will take to the racecourse at high speed with the E1 reserve pilots at the wheel.
And for guests joining by boat, E1’s Bring Your Own Boat ticket option also available through Fever offers exclusive access to the racecourse perimeter, providing the closest viewing perspective of the racing on water from your own vessel.
To help mark the second year of the partnership between Bombay Sapphire and E1 as its Official Gin Partner, there is a special Milan Design Week activation running until 26 April in Opificio 31 in Milan. At the heart of the installation is an E1 RaceBird in bespoke Bombay Sapphire blue livery, showcasing the partnership’s shared commitment to design, innovation and performance.
Viewers in Italy can tune into E1’s YouTube channel or watch all sessions live on DAZN. Mino Taveri will commentate Saturday’s finals in Italian.
Jamie Copas, Chief Executive Officer, E1, said: "Lake Como is one of those rare places where the setting tells the story for you. The combination of natural beauty, historic prestige and an audience that genuinely values racing, innovation and sustainability makes it the perfect start to E1's European leg of the season.
“Returning here for a second time is a privilege - we cannot wait to see our E1 RaceBirds take flight again as teams battle to get clear water between them and their rivals to steal an early Championship lead."
