Nadal by the Raging Bull logo at the Rafa Nadal Academy

Rafa Nadal has signed up as a team owner in the UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric raceboat championship, set to get underway later this year. Team Mexico, owned by Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez, and Venice Racing Team are also confirmed, with organisers stating they will announce more teams and race venues in the coming months.

Nadal, who has lived on the island of Mallorca his whole life, owns a bespoke 80 Sunreef Power catamaran, Great White, since 2020 (click for interview).

The 22-time Grand Slam champion will also be supporting E1’s Blue Action Programme, which has been designed to create a positive impact on local communities through projects aimed at restoring marine ecosystems along city waterfronts.

“I’m really excited to be getting involved with a project like E1 that values sustainability and will make a positive impact on society, especially in coastal communities,” Nadal said. “I like the fact E1 has a clear mission and is committed to preserving marine ecosystems.”

E1 raceboat in Team Nadal livery

Professor Carlos Duarte, Chief Scientist at E1, will lead the Blue Action Programme. A renowned marine ecologist, Duarte will play an instrumental role in developing E1’s overall sustainability strategy, as well as supporting the Rafa Nadal Academy’s sustainability initiatives and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable sport. 

“I’m delighted to see Rafael Nadal join E1,” said Duarte, who’s also from Mallorca. “I know Rafa shares my passion and commitment for marine conservation, and I’m looking forward to having his support on this important journey to deliver restoration of marine ecosystems at scale.” 

Alejandro Agag, E1’s co-founder and Chairman, visited Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, where he was taken on a tour around the high-performance tennis centre and was impressed by the world-class facilities and how technology is integrated at the academy. 

E1 Chairman Alejandro Agag and Nadal sign the contract

The partnership with Nadal and E1 is expected to extend beyond racing to include the launch of an international thought leadership event, focused on the theme of sport and sustainability.

The flagship event will bring leading sustainability experts together at the Rafa Nadal Academy to examine the next level of thinking on sustainability and highlight the positive role that sport can play in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“It’s incredible news to have a name like Rafael Nadal join the UIM E1 World Championship. He’s not only one of the greatest tennis players of all time, he’s also a sporting icon who has transcended his sport,” Agag said.

“Speaking with him, I immediately understood how important sustainability is to him and his passion for the ocean. E1’s mission is to accelerate clean mobility and restore marine ecosystems, which I know Nadal and his team feel strongly about.”
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