On October 6th, the highly anticipated 2024 F1H2O World Powerboat Championship wrapped up successfully in Shanghai. After nearly 30 minutes of fierce competition, Rusty Wyatt from Team Sharjah emerged as the champion, with Erik Stark of Team Victory taking second place, and Jonas Andersson from the Vietnam team securing third.
Leading up to the final event, Peter Morin of the China Tianrong F1H2O team struggled with engine issues during the qualifying rounds, which left him starting at the back of the pack for the final race. However, Morin displayed remarkable resilience, racing through the field to finish sixth and ultimately placing fourth overall. His teammate Brent Dillard crossed the finish line in seventh, earning four points for the team.
The race was hosted by the International Powerboating Federation and organized in collaboration with various local agencies, including the General Administration of Sport of China and the Shanghai Municipal Sports Bureau. This year’s event marked the significant return of the F1H2O series to Shanghai after a two-decade absence, featuring nine top international teams and 19 elite drivers from 13 different countries, including the UK, France, Portugal, Sweden, and Norway.
As the event kicked off, the calm waters of the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal exploded with excitement as 19 competitors sped off the starting line, leaving a trail of white foam and the roar of engines in their wake. This electrifying display truly captured the essence of “speed and passion.”
F1H2O powerboats can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just three seconds, reaching top speeds of up to 266 km/h. With such rapid turns and high-speed sprints, the competition often comes down to the narrowest of margins. Spectators were treated to breathtaking overtakes and the adrenaline rush as drivers fought for the optimal racing line.
The F1H2O Shanghai Grand Prix was broadcast via satellite to over 100 countries, allowing global viewers to soak in the thrilling atmosphere of the event, along with the rejuvenated scenery of the Shanghai International Cruise Tourism Resort.
Baoshan, a picturesque riverside city that has thrived on its maritime heritage, has transformed into Asia’s largest and the world’s fourth-largest international cruise homeport in the past decade. Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, Baoshan is keen on enhancing its image as a national-level tourist destination, with the F1H2O Championship serving as a vibrant showcase of the city’s unique charm to the world.
