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RIYADH: Professional NBA star LeBron James announced on Thursday that his team, Team AlUla, are set to join the fleet for the 2025 E1 season that begins with the E1 Jeddah GP on Saturday.
James’ team have been named after the ancient city in ����ֱ��, and will be piloted by Rusty Wyatt and Catie Munnings.
The LA Lakers star, 40, said: “As a lifelong fan of sports and competition, the opportunity to own an E1 team that represents such a high level of innovation in sports is incredibly exciting.
“E1 is a new type of global competition that’s revolutionizing water racing and I’m proud to be at the forefront of its expansion in season two.”
The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF sees teams go head-to-head in high-energy racing in iconic global cities, including Doha, Monaco, and Miami, in a bid to be crowned champions of the water.
Wyatt, a Canadian powerboat star, is one of the sport’s promising talents after being recognized as Rookie of the Year at the prestigious F1H20 UIM World Championship in 2024.
Alongside Wyatt is Munnings, the UK’s first-ever female Red Bull motorsports athlete and a previous FIA European Rally Championship Ladies’ Trophy winner. The British racer joins from Team Brazil after securing an impressive three podium places in E1’s debut season.
James joins a roster of team owners in the championship that includes NFL Hall of Famer Tom Brady, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, Hollywood actor Will Smith, international DJ Steve Aoki, footballing superstar Didier Drogba, philanthropist and businessman Marcelo Claure, cricketer Virat Kohli, and Grammy Award-winning musician Marc Anthony.
Team AlUla are led by co-team principals John Marlow and Barny Whitwham, who have a combined 30 years’ experience working in commercial and technical roles across blue chip organizations, FIA Formula One and World Rally Championship motorsport teams.
They are joined by a crew with equally strong sporting, technical and partnerships prowess across global motorsport and sports categories.
Alejandro Agag, chairman and co-founder of E1, said: “We are thrilled to welcome James and Team AlUla to the UIM E1 World Championship.
“With LeBron’s championship pedigree and history of excellence in globally celebrated sports, his entry into E1 sets the stage for an incredibly competitive and high-energy season on the water.”
With new teams, innovative technology, and iconic race destinations, Agag says the 2025 season will represent an exciting evolution for E1.
Rodi Basso, CEO and co-founder of E1, said: “As E1 prepares for a second season that will deliver new teams, more iconic race locations, and more thrilling on-water action, it’s with immense pride and excitement that I welcome Team AlUla and LeBron to the Championship.”