Formula 1 powerboats to make waves on Thames for first time

Formula 1 powerboats will race at speeds of up to 140mph at a major competition hosted in London for the first time in more than 30 years.

The world’s best F1 Powerboat drivers will race at the Royal Victoria Docks at the London Grand Prix on June 16 and 17 next year, the first time since 1984 that Formula 1 Powerboat racing - sometimes referred to as F1H20 - has been held in the capital.

The event will also showcase the latest in powerboat technology and engineering. The race will take place during London Tech Week 2018 - Europe’s largest festival of technology and innovation.

It is part of the 38th F1H20 World Championship season that will see eight races held in cities across the world including Abu Dhabi and Miami.

Li Haojie, chairman of Tianrong Sports, the Chinese sports promotional company behind the F1H2O World Championship, said: “London has a great sporting tradition and was a natural choice to showcase Formula 1 Powerboat racing.”

The race will be broadcast live around the world and on Sky Sports in the UK.