In Monaco, where the sea is both heritage and horizon, a new generation of sport is emerging, one that blends performance, sustainability, and innovation. At the forefront of this evolution stands Maxime Nocher co-founder and pilot of E1 Team Monaco in the UIM E1 Championship.
A multiple world champion turned pioneer of electric racing, Maxime Nocher represents more than athletic excellence.
Maxime stands as one of the most decorated athletes in kite foiling history, with a proven track record of dominance on the water.
“I grew up in the south of France, in Cannes. I did my bachelor’s degree in Nice as well. And I always had a business alongside my sport. My first company was designing and selling kites for competition. I was a producer supplying the Federation, and the athletes would use my kites. I sold that company in 2021.”
How did you end up in kitesurfing?
“I started in sailing - optimist, catamaran. But the catamaran felt slow to me. When kitefoil came along it was something completely new and I just tried it, fell in love with it, and kept going all the way to the Olympic Games. I love speed - that is really it.”
What was your favourite feeling when you were out on the kitefoil?
“Everything. But above all, going with the wind - there is no noise, everything is smooth and silent. That feeling is just perfect for me.”
Maxime embodies a shift, towards a future where sport becomes a platform for environmental responsibility and technological progress.
“In 2021, I started a new one, all around carbon foil technology, which I set up in Italy, and I sold that company around two years ago as well. After that I had some free time, and I got involved in the E1 Team Monaco project. It felt very important for Monaco. I had spent ten years here competing in partnership with the Comité Monégasque, so it felt right to give something back. That’s why I’m in.”
Now channeling his expertise as co-founder and pilot for Team Monaco in the E1 World Championship, he embodies innovation and sustainability in electric powerboat racing.
Maxime Nocher
E1 World Championship: The Electric Future of Racing on Water
A new era of motorsport is unfolding, not on asphalt, but on water. The E1 World Championship represents a bold reimagining of competitive racing, where performance, technology, and sustainability converge to create something entirely unprecedented.
Often described as the “Formula 1 of the seas,” the E1 Championship is the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series. But beyond its technical innovation, it is a statement, a vision of how sport can evolve in harmony with the environment. A message that perfectly fits the sustainability philosophy of the Principality of Monaco.
At the heart of the championship lies a radical concept: speed without compromise.
The E1 boats, known as RaceBirds, are electric hydrofoil vessels that rise above the water at high speeds. By lifting their hulls out of the water, they dramatically reduce drag, allowing for both efficiency and performance.
The result is a racing experience that feels almost futuristic. Silent, precise, and visually striking, these boats glide rather than cut through the water, creating a spectacle that is as elegant as it is thrilling. But behind this elegance lies complex engineering. The RaceBird is not only a vehicle, it is a platform for innovation, designed to push the boundaries of electric mobility on water.
It is safe to say that the E1 World Championship is the world’s first all-electric offshore racing series, a championship designed not only to entertain, but to inspire change.
E1 Monaco 2026
E1 Monaco 2026 from 17th to 18th July 2026. It will be the 4th round of the UIM E1 Championship.
Unlike traditional motorsport, the E1 Championship is driven by a mission that extends beyond competition.
The series was created with a clear objective: to accelerate the development of sustainable marine technologies and raise global awareness around ocean conservation.
Through its races, partnerships, and global platform, E1 seeks to inspire both industries and individuals to rethink the future of mobility on water.
Each race is therefore more than a sporting event, it is a demonstration of what is possible.
The E1 Championship takes place in some of the world’s most iconic coastal cities, locations where water, culture, and lifestyle intersect.
From the Mediterranean to the Middle East, each race transforms a city’s waterfront into a stage for innovation and performance.
Monaco, with its deep-rooted maritime heritage and commitment to sustainability, is a natural home for this new discipline.
Here, the championship aligns seamlessly with the Principality’s broader vision, where technology, environment, and excellence coexist.
Through initiatives linked to environmental protection, scientific research, and community engagement, the series extends its impact far beyond race weekends.
It actively collaborates with organisations focused on ocean preservation, reinforcing its commitment to protecting the very environment it operates within. In doing so, it positions itself not just as a sport, but as a catalyst for change.
Pilots: Oban Duncan and Maxime Nocher
From World Champion to Visionary
Before entering the world of electric racing, Maxime Nocher had already built a remarkable legacy on the water. With 11 world titles in kitefoiling, alongside multiple European and national championships, he established himself as one of the most dominant athletes in his discipline.
But like many elite athletes, his journey was not linear. A serious accident during Olympic preparation forced him to rethink his path, transforming adversity into opportunity.
Instead of stepping away from the water, Nocher chose to redefine his relationship with it. The result was Team Monaco.
“We have been working on this project for around 20 months now. It is going to be something new and we are ready for the nine races in the 2026 season.”
Co-founded with entrepreneur Chris Taylor, Team Monaco was born from a vision aligned with the Principality itself: innovation, elegance, and sustainability.
Chris is the creator of Polly Pocket that captured millions of childhood imaginations. As an early investor in the high voltage thrill ride of Formula E, Chris is the ultimate blend of creative spark and business savvy. A master at mixing sport, tech, and entertainment, who brings a relentless passion for pushing boundaries with a sharp eye for what makes people cheer alongside with Maxime.
“Monaco is pushing for new energy, electrification, and ocean protection, so having an electric raceboat championship here fits perfectly. We have a great heritage behind us, and having this team is something special.”
One of the defining features of the E1 Championship is its unique team structure. Teams are owned and backed by an international roster of influential figures from sport, business, and entertainment. Names such as LeBron James, Rafael Nadal, and Tom Brady are part of the championship’s ecosystem, bringing global visibility and cultural relevance to the sport.
This blend of elite sport and global influence creates a new type of competition, one that extends far beyond the race itself. Yet, and unlike many teams in the championship, often backed by global celebrities, Team Monaco represents something different: a nation, a philosophy, and a commitment to the future of the oceans.
Operating from the Yacht Club de Monaco, the team is deeply connected to the environmental missions of the Prince Albert II Foundation and Monaco’s broader ambition to lead in sustainable marine technology.
As Maxime himself describes it, the project is not just about racing:
“This is more than a race entry, it is a statement of Monaco’s commitment to performance, sustainability, and the future of marine sport.”
The Challenge for Pilots
At its core of the E1 World Championship are the RaceBirds, electric hydrofoil boats that rise above the water, reducing drag and showcasing the future of marine mobility. This is where sport meets engineering. Where speed meets sustainability. And where athletes like Maxime must adapt, not only physically, but intellectually. The discipline requires precision, data analysis, and strategic decision-making, blending instinct with innovation.
Piloting a RaceBird requires a unique combination of skill, instinct, and adaptability. Unlike traditional racing boats, hydrofoil vessels behave differently. They require precise control, balance, and an acute understanding of both the machine and the water beneath it.
How does piloting the RaceBird compare to kitesurfing?
“The feeling is still the same in many ways - you are flying above the water, which is something unique and truly impossible to describe. But there are differences. Before, it was my feet doing all the balancing. Now the balance is managed by the boat itself, you have a large wheel and you trim everything with your hands. There is a lot more to manage simultaneously. It is something very special.”
What about safety? People must wonder about the risks.
“I would say it is actually the safest powerboat ever built. With the foil design, it is very difficult to flip the boat or have a serious accident.
I was scared at the beginning, honestly - inside the cockpit everything is locked, so if you do flip, you have to wait a few minutes to get out. That worried me. But once you are racing, you just forget about it and push hard.”
Is it riskier than Formula 1?
“I would not say it is riskier. I would say it is comparable - we are racing, after all. The thing that can happen is a collision between boats, but on a straight line you are never going to flip or do something crazy.”
What is the biggest risk factor during race days?
“It is probably hydration. Inside the cockpit temperatures can reach up to 70 degrees, so preparation is critical. If you arrive on race day without having hydrated properly through the morning, you will collapse. We work hard on this.
In Jeddah, the stress of our first race actually affected our focus. I lost count of the laps at one point, I was not fully aware of where I was in the race or where the other boats were.
It happened twice. And part of that was simply dehydration and the pressure of the moment. We drank much more carefully in Como and it made a real difference.”
There is one male and one female pilot per team - how does that work exactly?
“Yes, exactly. Each team has one male and one female pilot, and we combine both of our times in qualifying. Then in racing, we each race separately and the results are combined.”
Drivers must navigate tight circuits, manage energy efficiency, and react instantly to changing conditions. It is a discipline that blends physical ability with technical intelligence, demanding as much from the mind as from the body.
How should we imagine the circuit here in Monaco?
“The E1 concept is built around very short, tight circuits; the idea is that spectators can see the entire track from the dock. Even within the harbour we could make it work. It is something compact, which means more people can follow the action, and the boats will be racing much closer together. It is very accessible.”
Building a Solid Foundation
Team Monaco’s debut season in 2026 marks the beginning of a long-term ambition.
Which race are you most looking forward to?
“Monaco, without question. It is going to be something special, our home race. Jeddah was our learning race, Como was about pushing further and improving, although in the race itself we made contact with another boat and had some damage.
Dubrovnik, the next one in a month, will be about continuing to learn and getting closer to the podium. But Monaco - we want to achieve something. It is our home race. We want to deliver.”
Is the race free to attend?
“Yes - if people want to come and watch the racing, they can come down to the dock and it is completely free. We will have a fan zone as well. There is a VIP hospitality area - the Ocean Club - but the racing itself on the water is open to everyone. It is going to be great.”
What is the most exciting stop on the calendar beyond Monaco?
“Miami. I have never been there for E1, but it is the season finale - so by the time we arrive there, we will know exactly where we stand in the championship. The stakes are as high as they can be. I cannot wait.”
Competing against international teams backed by global icons such as Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Rafael Nadal, the championship is as much about global visibility as it is about performance. Yet Team Monaco’s approach remains distinct.
Rather than chasing immediate dominance, the team is focused on building a foundation, learning the nuances of a new discipline, and evolving with each race. Early results already show promise, including a first-ever final qualification in Lake Como, an important milestone in only their second race weekend.
This is not just participation. It is progression.
“We did our first competition in Jeddah in January, and just last weekend was our second race in Como.
We improved our results - we qualified P3 and finished P6 in the race. We were quite happy about it. I mean, we actually did better than the world champion in qualifying, so that was great.”
Is there a budget gap between teams, like in Formula 1?
“Yes, for now there is still a gap between teams. The boat is supposed to be the same for everyone - a one-design concept - but in practice there are still some differences between individual boats.
So as a new team we are learning which parts of our setup work well and which need improvement, comparing ourselves to the more experienced teams. It is part of our growth process.”
How many people make up the full team?
“We have two pilots, five engineers, three mechanics, and then marketing and PR, so overall we are around 20 to 25 people. It is quite a big team.”
What is the key to winning in E1 - the driver, the machine, or the strategy?
“It is a combination of many factors. First, the boat - you have to be well prepared and have the right settings.
Second, strategy: we have six laps to complete, with one long lap and one short lap available to each driver, and you can choose when to deploy them. That strategic decision is crucial. And third, driver skill - but the importance of that varies by location.
Here in Monaco the water is choppy, so driver skill becomes more important. In Jeddah, where the water was flat, it was less decisive.”
H.S.H. Prince Albert II came to Jeddah to support the team. What was that like?
“It was a very special moment, though not without its challenges. It was our first race, and we experienced a technical issue on the boat.
Having H.S.H. Prince Albert II there brought an added positive dimension, as well as a great sense of encouragement. Monaco will likely be more intense again, but as with every race, our goal remains the same: to achieve a strong result for him and for the Principality.”
H.S.H Prince Albert II and Maxime Nocher
Preparation and Sustainability
How do you train for E1 races? Can you get on the water between events?
“That is the real challenge, we cannot train on this boat except during race weekends. The schedule is: we travel on Tuesday, Wednesday we unload from the container and prepare the boat and fit the foils.
Thursday we have two practice sessions per driver, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Friday is qualifying. That is really not a lot of time on the water - especially for a new team. The other teams have two seasons of data and experience behind them.
We are building from zero, and you feel it, especially on the first day at each new venue where we have no data and have to reset the entire boat setup from scratch.”
Are you working with the sailing community?
“Yes, the foil engineering on our boat is developed in collaboration with people who also worked on America’s Cup technology.
Foil preparation is one of the most important technical elements of this boat, and having that connection to the top end of sailing engineering is very valuable for us.”
How is sustainability integrated into the Team Monaco project?
“It is central to everything we do. Through our partnership with the Prince Albert II Foundation, we are very conscious of our carbon footprint, when we travel we try to minimise our environmental impact wherever we can. And we also require our sponsors to share that commitment.
Our clothing partner, for example, produces
our team kit from recovered waste including fishing nets - the material is collected from the sea, processed and transformed into yarn, and then made into our uniforms.
Our water sponsor similarly uses bottles made from recycled ocean material. Prince Albert II is the Prince of the Oceans and the Prince of Sustainability - Team Monaco and his Foundation are a perfect match.”
How are you preparing specifically for the Monaco race in mid-July?
“It is all about data analysis - understanding the race strategy, the sea conditions, the circuit layout. Monaco will be challenging because, as a first-year team, we have no data from previous editions here.
In Como we almost missed Q2 in the first session because our boat settings were completely wrong for the conditions, and we had to reset everything on the fly.
We went from nearly eliminated to P3 in qualifying, which shows the team’s capacity to adapt. But it was hard.
I am confident that next year will be significantly easier because we will have a full season of data. For now, we just have to be ready to learn fast.”
Is there a simulator to prepare?
“There is a simulator, but it is not yet efficient enough for serious race preparation - it is not comparable to Formula 1’s simulators at all. It is fine for kids to enjoy, but for our level of training it is not useful yet.”
Racing Towards Tomorrow
In a world where innovation is no longer optional, the E1 World Championship offers a glimpse into what comes next. It is a sport that respects the past, embraces the present, and builds for the future.
In Monaco, where tradition and innovation constantly intersect, Team Monaco and Maxime Nocher are shaping a new narrative. One where the sea is no longer just a stage for competition, but a frontier for change.
Team Monaco offers a platform to raise awareness about ocean preservation and accelerate the transition towards cleaner marine technologies.
And as Maxime and Oban and Team Monaco rises above the water, it carries with it a simple but powerful message:
The future of racing is not only fast. It is responsible.