- RaceBird Technology
- Competition Structure
- Global Media Spectacle
- Jeddah Circuit Strategy
- Prize Money & Prestige
- Sustainability Leadership
- Economic & Strategic Impact
Saudi Arabia hosts the prestigious E1 Series World Championship opening round in Jeddah on January 23-24, 2026, drawing massive international media attention for its cutting-edge electric boat racing.
The E1 Series represents the pinnacle of sustainable marine motorsports, featuring identical RaceBird electric hydrofoil boats competing at 55+ knots with zero emissions. Jeddah hosts its third consecutive championship opener, organized by the Saudi Marine Sports Federation with Public Investment Fund backing. Ten international teams compete in a high-stakes elimination format broadcast across 50+ countries.
RaceBird Technology
Key Specifications:
150kW electric powertrain delivering 200+ horsepower equivalent
Carbon fiber construction weighing just 540kg
25kWh lithium battery with 15-minute swap system
Hydrofoil system lifts boat 2.5m above water surface
The revolutionary T-foil design reduces water contact by 90%, achieving Formula 1-level drag coefficients while computer-controlled stability ensures precision racing.
Competition Structure
Race Weekend Format:
Day | Activity | Distance |
|---|---|---|
Friday | Practice + Qualifying | 20km sprint |
Saturday | Heat 1, Heat 2, Super Final | 50km + 50km + 75km |
Teams must field one male and one female driver with strict 25kWh battery limits per heat. Virtual safety boat technology prevents collisions while GPS tracking delivers real-time scoring.
Global Media Spectacle
More than 50 international television networks will broadcast live to 200 million potential viewers. Saudi channels SSC Sports and Shahid MBC lead domestic coverage with innovative production featuring 12 aerial drones, helmet cameras, and underwater pods. Social media campaigns project 10 million+ impressions across platforms.
Production Highlights:
Real-time telemetry graphics
Multi-angle driver perspectives
Advanced drone cinematography
Interactive digital platforms
Jeddah Circuit Strategy
The 3.5km Red Sea triangular course presents unique challenges with a tight left-hand turn testing foil loading, downwind transition zones requiring smooth technique, and upwind power sections demanding maximum acceleration. Ideal conditions include 0.3m chop, 24°C water temperature, and 8-12 knot offshore winds supporting 20,000 spectators across five floating platforms.
Prize Money & Prestige
Jeddah Round Distribution (SAR 5M total):
Position | Prize Money | Points |
|---|---|---|
1st | SAR 2M | 25 |
2nd | SAR 1.2M | 18 |
3rd | SAR 800K | 15 |
The season championship offers SAR 20 million to the overall winner, attracting elite celebrity team owners including Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, and LeBron James alongside Saudi's PIF-backed national entry.
Sustainability Leadership
E1 racing eliminates 100% of CO2 emissions and saves 200 liters of fuel per race compared to traditional petrol boats. Noise reduction from 85dB to 65dB protects marine life while the mixed-gender format advances women in motorsports. The championship serves as Vision 2030's global platform for green technology innovation.
High-profile ownership spans sports legends and entertainment icons, ensuring maximum global visibility. Production values rival Formula 1 with cutting-edge broadcast technology capturing every foil maneuver and strategic battery decision.
Economic & Strategic Impact
The event projects SAR 150 million in local spending, 35% hotel occupancy surge, and 22,000 additional airport arrivals. PIF secures title sponsorship, national team ownership, and technology transfer benefits while establishing Saudi Arabia as the global hub for electric marine sports.
Future Roadmap:
2027 RaceBird Mk2 targeting 60 knots
Permanent Red Sea circuit development
National Olympic team pathway
Marine technology R&D center
The Jeddah E1 2026 opener combines extreme performance engineering with environmental responsibility, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the electric marine revolution.
