Will Smith took immense pride in officially announcing the inclusion of Luanda in the E1 World Electric Boat Championship on Thursday, marking a significant moment for electric marine sports. The 57-year-old actor, a dedicated electric boat racing enthusiast, launched his own team in the world's first all-electric raceboat league two years ago, demonstrating his commitment to this emerging sport.
Historic Announcement in Angola
Luanda, the capital of Angola, has long been recognised as a hub for competitive sailing and racing, making it a fitting addition to the E1 championship. Smith, accompanied by E1 Series President Alejandro Agag, arrived at the Southern African country's presidential palace in the coastal city, beaming with excitement. He was promptly greeted by Angola's President Joao Lourenco, with the two shaking hands and engaging in what appeared to be a fascinating discussion as cameras captured this historical occasion.
Celebrity Involvement in Electric Marine Mobility
Smith is not the only high-profile figure promoting electric marine mobility. Other celebrities involved include Tom Brady and former Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal, who are also E1 team owners. This collective effort highlights a growing trend among public figures to advocate for sustainable technologies in marine environments.
The Men In Black star, an avid environmentalist, has consistently argued that transitioning from traditional marine combustion engines to electric boats is crucial for ocean health. He has rooted for his own Team Westbrook, named after his Los Angeles-based production company, at events worldwide. Notably, he watched his team secure their very first victory in August 2024 at Lake Como, Italy, a milestone in his racing journey.
Moving Past Controversy
The Oscar winner has moved on from his infamous 2022 slapping scandal involving Chris Rock by embracing his passion for electric boat racing and other projects. In that incident, Smith walked on stage and slapped Oscars host Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. This resulted in Smith's resignation from the Academy and a 10-year ban from attending the Oscars and any Academy-related events.
However, Smith recently found encouragement when Michael B. Jordan mentioned him in his Oscars speech. Jordan, 39, who recently won the Best Actor award for his role in the hit horror movie Sinners, acknowledged Smith among other influential actors. According to People magazine, Smith was 'very happy' to hear his name mentioned, with a source noting that it made him 'feel good' to be included with other top actors.
Future Collaborations and Respect
Smith is currently developing I Am Legend 2 with Jordan, and the duo share immense admiration for each other's talent. A second source revealed that Will and Michael have huge respect for each other’s abilities, underscoring a positive professional relationship despite past controversies.
This announcement in Luanda not only boosts the profile of electric boat racing but also aligns with broader environmental goals, as Smith and other celebrities champion cleaner marine technologies. The E1 championship continues to gain momentum, with new locations like Luanda expanding its global reach and impact.
