The Emirates News Agency reported that Team Abu Dhabi has departed for Shanghai to take part in the next round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship. The squad holds the lead in the teams classification ahead of the Grand Prix of Shanghai. Drivers will seek to extend that advantage through strong performances on the water circuit.
According to a Powerboat News guide the UIM F1H2O World Championship was established in 1981 as the flagship series in single-seater inshore circuit powerboat racing. The publication noted that boats in the category accelerate from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour in under two seconds and reach top speeds above 220 kilometres per hour. Powerboat News data shows the championship is sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique and promoted by H2O Racing since the 1990s.
The Emirates News Agency added that the Shanghai event forms a critical juncture in the 2026 season for Team Abu Dhabi as it aims to protect its teams championship lead. The report emphasised the importance of this round for accumulating points toward the overall title. The agency detailed that the team has prepared extensively for the conditions expected in China.
Powerboat News reported that Italian Guido Cappellini secured a record 10 world titles in the series between 1993 and 2009. The outlet listed American Shaun Torrente as a four-time champion with victories in 2018 2019 2022 and 2025 while Sweden’s Jonas Andersson claimed three titles from 2021 to 2024. Such achievements according to the publication highlight the competitive standard that Team Abu Dhabi must match.
The Emirates News Agency stated that the F1H2O calendar spans several continents with the Shanghai Grand Prix representing the Asian leg of the 2026 campaign that opened in Cagliari. The news service indicated that consistent results across all rounds will decide the final standings. Team Abu Dhabi according to the agency enters the event with confidence drawn from its current table position.
A separate Powerboat News overview placed the series history as including pauses in 1987 through 1989 and in 2020 yet noted expansion to venues in Europe the Middle East the Americas and Asia. The publication described how this growth has enhanced the sport’s commercial profile and international participation. Powerboat News figures confirm that up to 20 leading drivers contest each season in the lightweight carbon-fibre catamarans.
