Aoki Racing Team claimed victory at the E1 Jeddah GP 2026 after an intense final on the waters of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, that saw them fend off defending Champions Team Brady. 

The win is the second time Aoki has taken victory in Jeddah for an early Championship lead. Pilots Sara Misir and Dani Clos delivered a commanding performance in front of thousands of onlookers and capitalised on a decisive final run.

After the flag had dropped, Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James were promoted to third-place after debutants Sierra Racing Club received a penalty for what was deemed to be an overtaking infringement, taking them down to fifth.

It was a race full of drama as Misir and Team Rafa’s Spanish pilot Cris Lazarraga went foil-to-foil heading into the opening corner. There was a slight touch between the two E1 RaceBirds with Misir coming out on top. 

Teammate Clos had done the work in Final 1 to secure the inside lane for Misir. The Jamaican then dominated the remaining six laps in a display of true team effort.

Sara Misir was also awarded the coveted PIF Pilot of the Day award in recognition of her outstanding performance on her debut for Aoki Racing Team. Her racecraft, control and consistency under pressure shone throughout the day’s racing.

The Jeddah race marks the Championship’s now traditional Saudi season-opener, reinforcing the Kingdom’s growing role in the future of electric sport, sustainable mobility, and innovation on water. 

Trophies were awarded to Aoki Racing Team pilots by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport, to Team Brady by His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Fahd bin Salman Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation and to Team AlUla Championed by LeBron James pilots by Sophi Horne, founder and Chairman of Seabird Technologies.

Sara Misir said: “It feels good! Dani went out there and came P1 so I knew I had big boots to fill. I went out, kept my head down and tried my hardest.”

Her teammate Dani Clos added: “I’m on a cloud! This is an amazing place to be, I'm happy with the Aoki Racing Team, happy with everyone around me, this is super special for us.”

Alejandro Agag, founder and Chairman of E1 who also presented trophies to winning representatives said: “Seeing Aoki Racing Team clinch victory here today in Jeddah by beating the defending Champions was an exhilarating spectacle framed against the Red Sea skyline. 

“All the teams were cheered on by thousands of spectators who had gathered here to watch the racing action. Our thanks go to them and our fantastic partners, the Saudi Watersports and Diving Federation and the Ministry of Sport, who have once again extended their hospitality and helped us deliver an incredible event."

Attention now turns to Lake Como, Italy, from 24 to 25 April as the Championship heads to Europe as the next port in its global tour.