Hollywood actor Will Smith has launched a new team in the E1 all-electric powerboat championship.
Confirmed:
- Westbrook Racing, named after Smith’s global entertainment company, to compete in the debut season of E1
- Other investors in new team include Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio, Alshair Fiyaz and Tommaso Chiabra.
- Oscar winner latest high-profile investor to join series
Context:
Smith is the latest A-lister to become a team owner in E1, joining National Football League (NFL) icon Tom Brady, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, soccer ace Didier Drogba, cricket star Virat Kohli and Formula One driver Sergio Perez. Other celebrity investors include DJ Steve Aoki and singer-songwriter Marc Anthony.
Comment:
“As a fan of racing, the opportunity to be part of the E1 fleet and play a role in realising its broader vision got me very inspired,” said Smith. “The entire Westbrook team is truly excited to bring Westbrook Racing to the water and join such an amazing group for this race.”
Rodi Basso, chief executive and co-founder of E1, added: “Will Smith is simply one of the most famous names on the planet. He’s shown throughout his career he is a born winner, so we are incredibly excited to see how this transitions to racing on the water. He’s also time and again proven himself as an inspirational force for good in a multitude of ways. Together, we are looking forward to pursuing our joint ambition to progress the electrification of sport and the positive effect this will have on the wider marine industry.”
Coming next:
Westbrook Racing will make its first E1 appearance for the series’ second event of the season in Venice, which takes place from 11th to 12th May.
Go deeper:
- E1 agrees US and UK media rights deals with CBS and ITV
- Saudi Arabia’s PIF becomes principal sponsor of Formula E, E1 and Extreme E
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