The 2026 E1 Series season opened on the Red Sea in Jeddah, delivering close racing, challenging conditions, and an early statement from Team AlUla.
In the first Grand Prix of the year, Team AlUla secured a podium finish, starting the season with valuable championship points and a clear platform to build from.
Jeddah has a way of exposing every weakness. The course is fast and technical, with little room to recover when margins tighten. Qualifying pace matters, clean execution matters more, and every decision has a consequence when the fleet is separated by metres rather than seconds.
Across the weekend, the all electric RaceBirds pushed both pilots and teams to their limits. Starts, positioning, and consistent lap to lap control proved decisive. Against a highly competitive field, Team AlUla delivered a composed and measured performance, converting preparation into a third place finish overall.
The Pilots
A key storyline heading into the season was the return of Rusty Wyatt. Bringing experience and consistency back into the cockpit, Rusty’s familiarity with the E1 format and race management played an important role in navigating the weekend’s challenges. His return adds continuity to the team as the championship develops, particularly in a series where adaptability and calm judgement are often the difference between progress and penalty.
Alongside him, the arrival of Nerea Martí marks an exciting new chapter for Team AlUla. Transitioning into electric powerboat racing, Nerea brings a strong motorsport pedigree, sharp racecraft, and a calm, analytical approach under pressure. Her contribution in Jeddah underlined her adaptability and signalled her potential impact across the remainder of the season.
Nerea’s pathway into elite competition has been defined by progression and intent. From national karting through to single seater experience, she has built a reputation for disciplined preparation and decisive execution. That translates well to E1, where learning curves are steep, technical feedback is constant, and confidence must be earned session by session. Jeddah offered an immediate proving ground, and she met it with control and clarity.
The Relationship
This opening round was also a moment of pride for us as Team AlUla’s official kit supplier for a second consecutive year. Our partnership extends beyond performance apparel. It reflects a shared commitment to innovation, responsibility, and progress within elite sport, and a belief that modern competition can demand more from itself, on the water and off it.
The E1 Series continues to redefine what high performance competition can look like in a more sustainable future. As an all electric championship operating in some of the world’s most iconic coastal locations, E1 places environmental responsibility at the centre of its identity. That philosophy closely aligns with our own approach to sustainable sportswear and responsible production, where performance is expected, but impact is considered at every stage.
Every piece of team kit supplied this season has been developed with performance, durability, and sustainability in mind. From racewear to team apparel, the focus remains on reducing environmental impact without compromising function or comfort in demanding conditions. It is about garments that work hard, wear well, and represent the direction this sport is taking, with smarter materials, better longevity, and a clear purpose behind every detail.
The Season Ahead
The podium in Jeddah provides a strong foundation for the season ahead. With a refreshed pilot line up, growing team cohesion, and a calendar that includes some of the most recognisable waterfront venues in the world, Team AlUla enters 2026 with clear intent. There is pace in the package, and the early result shows what is possible when execution matches ambition.
Next up is Lake Como, where the championship heads to Italy for the next round. A different backdrop, a different set of conditions, and the same demand for precision. Another test. Another opportunity to build on a promising start, and to keep turning performance into points.
The season is well and truly underway!
