The futuristic world of electric powerboat racing is returning to Croatia as the E1 Dubrovnik GP 2026 races back onto the Adriatic calendar for its second consecutive year. Taking place on June 12 and 13, 2026, the high-profile event transforms Dubrovnik’s historic coastline into an electric, high-speed racing arena.
Ten elite teams will battle it out in the UIM E1 World Championship—the world’s first and only all-electric powerboat racing series. By blending cutting-edge technology, sustainability, sports, and live entertainment against the dramatic backdrop of Dubrovnik’s old city walls, the grand prix further cements the city’s rising global reputation as a hub for premier international sporting events and sustainable tourism.
Key Event Details
- Dates & Schedule: The two-day spectacle takes place from June 12 to June 13, 2026.
- Friday, June 12: Dedicated to Qualifying sessions, where pilots complete timed laps to determine team rankings and group placements.
- Saturday, June 13: Finals Race Day, featuring the peak competitive action with group stages, tactical race-offs, and the final grand prix races.
- The Technology: Teams compete using revolutionary RaceBird powerboats. Powered entirely by electricity, these sleek vessels utilize advanced hydrofoil technology to literally “fly” above the surface of the water, offering a clean, eco-friendly alternative to traditional marine motorsport.
- Team Dynamics: The 2026 championship features an expanded grid of 10 elite teams. In a push for gender equity, each team is required to field a dual-pilot lineup consisting of one male and one female pilot who share driving duties to become the “Champions of the Water.”
Star-Studded Appeal
- Celebrity Owners: One of the championship’s biggest draws is its ultra-famous roster of team owners from the worlds of sports and entertainment. High-profile figures backing the teams include:
- Tom Brady (Defending champion owner)
- LeBron James (Team AlUla)
- Will Smith
- Rafael Nadal
- Marc Anthony (Team Miami)
- Steve Aoki (Aoki Racing Team)
- Virat Kohli, Thibaut Courtois, and Didier Drogba.
- Star Attendance: Several of these global icons are expected to attend the Dubrovnik GP in person to support their teams, adding an extra layer of Hollywood glamour and international media attention to the weekend.
Fan Experience & Spectator Options
- Premium Hospitality (E1 Ocean Club): Hosted at the luxurious Hotel Excelsior, this exclusive, high-end experience offers premium seating, curated food and drinks, and behind-the-scenes access. Select tickets even include a “Hot Lap” on-water experience with E1 reserve pilots.
- Fan Zone Experience: Located at the historical Lazareti site, the open-air shoreline Fan Zone offers public race viewing, live commentary, video walls, E1 activations, and an interactive RaceBird simulator.
- Bring Your Own Boat: A unique ticket tier allowing spectators to anchor their own vessels along a dedicated racecourse perimeter for an immersive, close-up perspective of the action directly from the water.
Visit E1 Series You Tube Channel to watch hydrofoil electric powerboats event
