JEDDAH: The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF begins its third and biggest season in Jeddah this weekend, and one team in particular is determined to put on a show in their ‘home’ race.

An expanded grid of 10 teams – up from eight in 2025 – will compete on the spectacular Red Sea coastline off the Jeddah Corniche on 23-24 January in the opening race of the 2026 E1 Championship, the world’s only all-electric raceboat series.

Among the celebrity-owned teams taking to the water in Jeddah is Team AlUla championed by LeBron James. Title sponsored by one of the Kingdom’s most iconic destinations and sporting the deep green colors of Saudi Arabia’s flag, it’s clear who the team is representing throughout the globe-trotting season, which has increased to eight races.

The team begin their second E1 campaign with Rusty Wyatt retained as the male pilot. The accomplished Canadian will share the cockpit with talented Spaniard Narea Marti. Each E1 team must have one male and one female pilot.

With a season of experience and insight to call upon, expectations within the team are high, and Wyatt is hopeful of thrilling the home fans on the Jeddah Corniche.

Speaking at the pilot debrief, Wyatt said: “It feels really good to be wearing the Saudi green. I’m really looking forward to racing here. I had a lot of fun last year, and we’re going to take a lot of growth from it and move it into this year.

“It was a big learning year to get to the level we’re at now. We’re a much different team this year for sure, and I think we’ll be claiming a lot more podiums this year.”

Opening the E1 Championship in Jeddah for a third consecutive season highlights the city’s role at the heart of the series. Since staging E1’s first-ever race in 2024, Jeddah has become closely associated with the championship’s growth, providing a proven setting for elite competition and a benchmark for delivery both on and off the water.

Saudi Arabia’s influence on E1 also extends to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as the presenting partner. Beyond its role as chief sponsor, PIF works directly with E1 to develop the long-term viability of electric powerboat racing, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key contributor to the future of sustainable sport, while building new platforms and possibilities.

Wyatt added: “I can see how much love there is here for E1. We had an amazing event here last year and it looks like it’s going to be even bigger this year, which is almost hard to believe because it was such a large event last year. The city and everything around the race is unbelievable. The location for the actual race is amazing. You’ve got such a big track, the water is calm. Everything on the racing side of things is so good.”

Team AlUla championed by LeBron James will face stern competition in Jeddah from their nine rivals, including 2025 race winners Aoki Racing Team. Series champions Team Brady will be looking for a strong start to their title defense, while Team Blue Rising, Team Drogba Global Africa, Team Miami powered by Magnus, Team Rafa, and Team Westbrook are back on the grid. New outfits Team Monaco and Sierra Racing Club will aim to make big first impressions.

All 10 teams race in identical RaceBird boats, equipped with advanced electric propulsion systems and foiling technology to ensure high performance with minimal environmental impact. With top speeds of 93kph/50 knots and power of 150kw/200bhp, high-octane racing is guaranteed.

John Williams, Managing Director at E1, said: “Being back in Jeddah is pretty special for us. This is where we had our very first race back in 2024, so it always holds a special place for us. We’ve got great partners with the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation, and we’re just really excited to kick it off again.

“I know the pilots are desperate to get back out on the water. It’s been great testing over the last couple of days, so we’re very, very excited to get going.”

Qualifying for the E1 Jeddah GP 2026 will take place on Friday, 23 January from 11.30 KSA, followed by the main race at 16:00 KSA / 14:00 CET on Saturday, 24 January.