FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23rd, 2025 Jeddah, KSA — Westbrook Racing is proud to announce that it has joined the Sports for Nature Framework, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to fostering a harmonious relationship between sports and the natural world. Joint initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Olympic Committee (IOC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, Sports for Nature provides a collaborative platform for sports organizations, teams, and events to integrate nature-positive strategies into their operations. This collaboration underscores Westbrook Racing’s commitment to sustainability and its belief in the power of sports to drive positive environmental change.
As Sports for Nature celebrates its second anniversary, Westbrook Racing joins in honoring the incredible achievements made possible by the collective efforts of its signatories and supporters. The Sports for Nature Framework, launched in Montreal in December 2022, has become a vital platform for advancing environmental sustainability principles in sports. We are thrilled to contribute to this impactful journey.
By becoming a signatory to the Framework, Westbrook Racing pledges to integrate nature-positive principles into its operations, focusing on biodiversity conservation and restoration. The team will work closely with Sports for Nature to develop meaningful projects that engage fans, partners, and the wider community in sustainability efforts. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to amplify the message of environmental stewardship within the E1 Series and beyond.
Merdith McCurdy, Programme Leader, Sports for Nature at IUCN said: “We’re excited to welcome Westbrook Racing, the first of the E1 series teams to commit to the Framework. E1 was one of our founding signatories, and continues to demonstrate its innovation to promote a more sustainable and nature-friendly competition. However, we need all stakeholders of the sport to be part of the team for nature and we hope Westbrook’s leadership will spark competition among other teams to also join us.”
Phil Allen, Team Principal of Westbrook Racing, commented: “Partnering with Sports for Nature aligns perfectly with our mission to lead the charge in sustainable sport. By integrating their principles and collaborating on meaningful projects, we aim to inspire change and leave a lasting impact on the environment.”
Yan Lefort, Commercial & Marketing Director at Westbrook Racing, added: “This partnership highlights the importance of aligning our brand values with impactful initiatives. Working alongside Sports for Nature allows us to amplify our sustainability efforts and create meaningful opportunities for engagement with our partners and fans.”
About Westbrook Racing
Westbrook Racing competes in the E1 Series, a pioneering racing platform for sustainable electric watercraft aimed at reducing environmental pressures on oceans, rivers, and lakes. Led by Hollywood icon Will Smith, Westbrook Racing Team is a powerhouse of performance and entertainment, dedicated to winning both races and fans around the world. Westbrook Racing’s commitment to sustainability and innovation drives the team’s mission to revolutionize the sport and engage fans around the world. Launched in 2024, the E1 Series was founded in 2020 by motorsport veteran Alejandro Agag (Formula E) and is managed by former McLaren Applied’s Rodi Basso. The series has rapidly gained global attention, bolstered by celebrity investors such as Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal and Didier Drogba. Westbrook Racing benefits from the leadership of co-owners Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio and Alshair Fiyaz. Del Vecchio, through LMDV Capital, and Fiyaz, with his background in sports and sustainable investments, bring additional strength to the team. Westbrook Racing combines performance, entertainment and sustainability, setting new standards in racing and sports marketing. https://westbrook-racing.com
About Sport For Nature
Sports for Nature is a joint initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Olympic Committee (IOC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy. It aims to deliver transformative action for nature across sports, by 2030 and beyond, enabling sports to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration. It provides a game plan for sports — at all levels — to accelerate and inspire others to take action for nature. https://sportsfornature.org
About the UIM E1 World Championship
E1 is the world’s first and only all-electric raceboat championship sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the international governing body for powerboating activities. The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF was established to create a new, exciting and competitive on-water racing Championship using electric technologies to focus efforts on innovations that help protect and restore our urban waters and coastal areas. The Championship sees teams featuring both a male and female pilot. Racing on the water in iconic cities around the world including Jeddah, Doha, Monaco, Lake Como and Miami, teams are owned by some of the biggest names on the planet. These already include Will Smith, Marc Anthony and Steve Aoki from the world of entertainment, Rafael Nadal, Tom Brady, Virat Kohli and Didier Drogba from the world of sport and Marcelo Claure from the world of business. E1 pilots navigate tight and technical circuits behind the wheel of the electric RaceBirds. https://www.e1series.com/
For further information, please contact:
Meredith McCurdy, Programme Leader, Sports For Nature
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Westbrook Racing Team PR Team on:
