Sports have that almost magical ability to connect people and topics as seemingly disparate as Rafa Nadal, Will Smith, Lake Como, and the latest technology in electric boat motors. What may sound like madness is a one-of-a-kind sporting competition, a rare gem that will soon be coming to Europe; for Madrid residents, it will mean a short trip of about six hours… to the paradise of Lake Como.
It’s E1, or the “electric Formula 1 of the water, ” a global competition featuring boats that sail in total silence, with teams sponsored by celebrities from around the world. The E1 Lake Como GP 2026 presented by Villa d’Este will take place on April 25, and tickets are already on sale.
25 April 2026 11:00
Superstars supporting teams and drivers
These “flying boats, “ as our colleagues at Secret Milano call them, are the new revolution in motorized water sports. They are also the stars of a high-level competition featuring some of the biggest names in international sports and entertainment. We’re talking about DJ Steve Aoki, NFL legend Tom Brady, singer Marc Anthony, and, representing our country, Rafa Nadal. All of them sponsor their own racing teams and will compete this spring for first place.
For those who follow the world of sports from Madrid, the event also marks the arrival in Europe of a competition that aims to revolutionize motorsport on the water in the same way that Formula E is transforming urban racing.
In total silence, sailing full steam ahead
E1 Lake Como GP 2026 presented by Villa d’Este is a blend of tradition, nature, and luxury: the legendary Lake Como, just an hour from Milan, will be the setting where these boats will “fly” over the water.
These boats, called E1 RaceBirds, feature a completely futuristic design and don’t use a single drop of fuel. What makes them unique—and creates that sensation of boats “dancing” on the water—is hydrofoil technology: underwater wings that, upon reaching a certain speed, lift the hull out of the water. This is how they “fly,” creating a spectacular sight.
E1 Lake Como GP 2026 presented by Villa d’Este
25 April 2026 11:00