Team Brazil racing at the E1 Lagos GP. Photo: E1 StudiosTimmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin power Team Brazil to a sensational qualifying victory, setting the stage for an electrifying finale in Lagos
Team Brazil delivered a breathtaking performance at the E1 Lagos Grand Prix on Saturday, storming to pole position ahead of the much-anticipated main race on Sunday. Piloted by the dynamic duo of Timmy Hansen and Leva Millere-Hagin, the team clocked a combined time of 01:06:908, outpacing Team Rafa, owned by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, in a fiercely contested qualifying session.
The result marks a remarkable turnaround for Team Brazil, who, despite securing just three points for their qualifying win, remain in eighth place in the overall championship standings with 51 points. Hansen’s decisive overtake of Team Rafa in the final stretch sealed the team’s triumph, earning widespread applause from fans gathered along the Lagos shoreline.
Hot on their trail, Team Rafa secured second place in the qualifying round, earning two valuable points that pushed them back to the top of the championship leaderboard. They now hold a slim one-point advantage over Team Brady, setting up an intense title showdown as the 2025 season nears its climax.
Westbrook Racing, which had dominated the qualifying time trials earlier, settled for third place in Saturday’s contest. Despite the setback, their strong form ensures they remain contenders in the championship mix heading into Sunday’s main event.
The final race in Lagos promises high-stakes drama as teams battle for crucial points. The winner of the main race will earn a massive 38-point boost, with 31 points for the runner-up and 25 points for the team finishing third — margins that could dramatically reshape the standings before the season finale in Miami next month.
Speaking after their triumph, Team Brazil’s pilots expressed optimism and determination ahead of race day. “We go into Sunday in high spirits and feeling good after a huge performance in qualifying,” they said, exuding confidence and unity as they look to capitalize on their momentum.
Rodi Basso, founder and Chief Executive Officer of E1, hailed the warm reception in Lagos and commended Nigeria’s passion for motorsport. “The welcome we have received in Lagos has been incredible. The people and passion of Nigeria have made this historic E1 Lagos GP presented by FirstBank possible,” Basso said. “Our ambition is to build a motorsport legacy in Africa. This weekend’s race is just the beginning, and today’s qualifying sessions have provided a thrilling taste of what’s to come.”
The E1 Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, began in Jeddah last year and has rapidly gained global attention for its fusion of sustainability and speed. With Lagos becoming the first African city to host the competition, the event represents a major milestone for both the sport and the continent’s growing motorsport community.
As engines power up for Sunday’s decisive race, all eyes will be on Lagos’ vibrant waterfront, now transformed into a global stage where champions will rise, dreams will be tested, and the battle for the title of “Champions of the Water” reaches a thrilling new chapter.
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