Blue Ambition: How Bombay Sapphire and Steve Aoki are Powering a Sustainable Sport Revolution

IBIZA, Spain – May 26, 2026 – Against the backdrop of Ibiza's legendary turquoise waters, the familiar thrum of summer has been joined by a futuristic hum. The UIM E1 World Championship, the world's first all-electric raceboat series, has arrived on the island, and with it, a landmark partnership that signals a new era for sports, sustainability, and luxury marketing. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin has officially unveiled its new global partnership with Aoki Racing Team, the high-profile contender owned by DJ and cultural icon Steve Aoki.

The announcement, made hot off the heels of the E1 race in Lake Como, transforms the E1 Ibiza Showrun from a simple sporting event into a powerful statement. It represents the convergence of high-octane entertainment, cutting-edge green technology, and the sophisticated branding of a spirits giant, all centered on a shared mission: to protect the world's blue spaces.

A New Wave of Sponsorship

This collaboration is more than a logo on a raceboat; it's a deep, strategic alignment of brand philosophies. For BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, this marks the second year of its role as the Official Gin Partner of the E1 Championship, an alliance anchored in its global brand platform, "Step Into The Blue." The platform, which invites consumers to immerse themselves in beautiful, multi-sensory moments, finds a perfect real-world expression in the shimmering blue waters of the Mediterranean and the sleek, electric-powered RaceBirds.

"Connection, innovation and a deep respect for nature's awe-inspiring blues sit at the heart of the partnership between Bombay Sapphire and E1," said Natasha Curtin, Global Vice President of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE. "This one-of-a-kind E1 Ibiza Showrun presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is a powerful expression of our global platform."

Behind this marketing narrative lies a substantial and verifiable commitment to sustainability. The gin brand's parent company, Bacardi, has positioned it as a leader in environmental stewardship. All ten of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE's botanicals are 100% sustainably sourced and certified by Ecocert. Its Laverstoke Mill distillery in England is a landmark of green industrial design, being the first distillery globally to achieve an 'Outstanding' BREEAM rating for sustainable construction. It runs on 100% renewable electricity, recycles its spent botanicals into energy, and holds a Wildlife Habitat Council certification for its work protecting the local River Test ecosystem.

This dedication finds a direct parallel in the E1 Championship's core mission. E1 is not just about racing; it's a platform designed to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility on water and actively restore marine ecosystems. The championship's Blue Impact Programme, led by renowned marine scientist Professor Carlos Duarte, underpins every race, with initiatives focused on local conservation projects. The series has already achieved PAS 2060 certification for its contribution to carbon neutrality, offsetting the vast majority of its operational emissions from its inaugural 2024 season.

The Aoki Effect: From DJ Booth to Raceboat

Injecting a massive dose of star power and cultural relevance into the partnership is Steve Aoki. Far more than a figurehead owner, Aoki embodies the fusion of entertainment and purpose that defines the E1 series. Known for his high-energy performances and entrepreneurial spirit, he brings a vast, global audience to the world of electric racing—many of whom may be more familiar with his music festival sets than with motorsports.

His involvement is a strategic masterstroke, lending authenticity and a 'cool factor' to the cause. Aoki has previously ventured into sustainable projects, including a collaboration on recycled denim, demonstrating a genuine interest that resonates through his endorsement.

"I'm incredibly excited to have BOMBAY SAPPHIRE as our new global partner on E1 Aoki Racing Team, as they embody so much of what this sport means to me – pushing boundaries, blending innovation with creativity, and championing a future where technology and sustainability work hand in hand," Aoki commented. "Not to mention, my favorite color is blue!"

Aoki is part of a growing list of influential team owners in the E1 series, including sports legends Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, and Didier Drogba, which has rapidly elevated the championship's profile from a niche competition to a global cultural phenomenon.

Redefining Island Glamour

The choice of Ibiza for this showcase is profoundly symbolic. The island, a world-renowned destination for music, culture, and luxury, provides the perfect stage to demonstrate that sustainability and high-end spectacle can coexist. The E1 Ibiza Showrun features two RaceBirds gliding silently across the water—one in the iconic BOMBAY SAPPHIRE blue livery—offering a glimpse into a cleaner, quieter future for marine recreation.

The event is curated as an immersive experience. Spectators can enjoy a beautifully chilled BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Sparkling Lemon—the championship's official cocktail—as the futuristic boats race against the timeless backdrop of Ibiza's Old Town. This fusion of pioneering sport and sophisticated leisure is exactly what the partnership aims to cultivate.

"Spain has one of the most passionate sporting cultures and has embraced E1 with extraordinary enthusiasm," said Jamie Copas, CEO of E1. "Bringing the E1 Ibiza Showrun to these iconic shores in partnership with Bombay Sapphire is a moment of real pride."

The event also carries personal significance for several Spanish pilots, including Dani Clos of Aoki's team and Cris Lazzaraga of Team Rafa, adding a compelling local narrative to the international spectacle.

As the European leg of the E1 championship continues to destinations like Dubrovnik and Monaco, the partnership forged in the blue waters of Ibiza serves as a powerful blueprint. It demonstrates how modern brands can move beyond traditional sponsorship models to engage in authentic, purpose-driven collaborations that not only elevate their image but also contribute to a tangible, positive impact on the planet. This blend of electrifying speed, celebrity influence, and a deep commitment to the environment may just be the future of sport itself.