Rafael Nadal congratulates NFL star Tom Brady on his team’s victory in 2024 UIM E1 World Championships, celebrates Team Rafa’s third-place finishIn a thrilling debut of the 2024 UIM E1 World Championships in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Rafael Nadal’s electric boat racing team, Team Rafa, made waves by securing a commendable third place. The event marked a historic moment as the first global series exclusively featuring all-electric race boats, with official backing from the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the authoritative body governing powerboating.
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion renowned for his prowess on the tennis court, entered the realm of electric boat racing as the owner of Team Rafa in January 2023. The team, led by pilots Cris Lazarrage and Tom Chiappe, showcased their skill and determination, earning 14 points in the inaugural race. This achievement placed them just three points behind Team Miami, owned by singer Marc Anthony, securing the second position.
In a gesture of sportsmanship and camaraderie, Nadal took to Instagram to express his pride in Team Rafa’s performance. His post reflected a mix of satisfaction and motivation, emphasizing the team’s third-place finish as a stepping stone for future success. The Spanish tennis icon also extended heartfelt congratulations to Team Brady, led by NFL star Tom Brady, for clinching the top spot in the race.
“Well done guys. Third place and more motivation for the next one 
. Congrats @e1teambrady for the win… the season is long and they’ll work hard to… you know what @tombrady,” Nadal’s Instagram caption encapsulated the spirit of competition and mutual respect among elite athletes venturing into the realm of electric boat racing.
The UIM E1 World Championship stands not only as a platform for thrilling races but also as a testament to the global shift towards sustainable technologies. With celebrities and athletes from various sports, including soccer star Didier Drogba, Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez, and Cricket star Virat Kohli, owning teams, the championship aims to showcase the potential of electric technologies in marine mobility while advocating for sustainability and environmental consciousness.
As the series unfolds, Nadal and Team Rafa are poised for an exciting journey with six more races scheduled in iconic locations worldwide, including Venice, Monaco, and Hong Kong. The championship’s grand finale in November promises to be a culmination of high-octane competition and a celebration of electric mobility’s potential on the water. The tennis legend’s foray into electric boat racing adds a dynamic chapter to his storied career, further contributing to the intersection of sports and sustainable innovation.