Our Privacy Statement & Cookie Policy

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

F1H2O World Championship concludes with thrilling finale in Sharjah

Wang Xuejing, Li Shuangxi, Ma Yunzhe

01:26

With explosive starts, blistering speeds and hairpin turns, the finals of the world's premier single-seater powerboat racing event kicked off on Sharjah's Khalid Lagoon. This year's event, held from December 6 to 8, witnessed 19 drivers competing for top spots to claim the World Championship title.

After 32 intense laps, Jonas Andersson of the Vietnam Team emerged as the champion of this round. Erik Stark of the Victory Team secured second place, while Sharjah Team's Rusty Wyatt claimed third. China Tianrong F1H2O Team's Peter Morin finished fifth, with teammate Brent Dillard taking eighth place.

Over the course of the season, the Vietnam Team topped the team standings with 168.5 points, followed by the Sharjah Team with 142 points. The China Tianrong F1H2O Team secured an impressive third place in the overall team rankings with 127.5 points.

The powerboat of China Tianrong F1H2O Team competes at Road to Sharjah – Grand Prix of Sharjah in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, December 8, 2024. /F1H2O
The powerboat of China Tianrong F1H2O Team competes at Road to Sharjah – Grand Prix of Sharjah in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, December 8, 2024. /F1H2O

The powerboat of China Tianrong F1H2O Team competes at Road to Sharjah – Grand Prix of Sharjah in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, December 8, 2024. /F1H2O

In the individual standings, Andersson of the Vietnam Team successfully defended his overall championship title. Sharjah Team's rising star Wyatt finished as the season's runner-up, with Stark of the Victory Team securing third. Morin from the China Tianrong F1H2O Team ranked fourth.

As the season finale, the F1H2O Sharjah Grand Prix has always been a highlight for fans. This year's event was particularly exciting due to the fierce battle for the overall championship, and it did not disappoint.

All drivers gave their best in pursuit of strong final rankings, resulting in a fiercely contested race from the outset. The intense competition led to several hazardous moments with yellow flags frequently halting the race.

After the start, pole-sitter Andersson quickly established a lead. His main rival, Wyatt of the Sharjah Team, overcame a challenging starting position to move up to fourth. Meanwhile, Morin of the China Tianrong F1H2O Team dropped to seventh due to insufficient power at the start.

The race saw its first yellow flag after the opening lap when Boat No. 9 collided with a buoy. After resuming on Lap 6, Wyatt seized an opportunity to challenge for third place, successfully overtaking his competitor in a direct duel. However, this maneuver caused Victory Team's Boat No. 3 to flip, prompting another yellow flag.

Racing resumed on Lap 9, with Andersson maintaining his lead. Attention shifted to the battle between Wyatt and Stark. Wyatt needed at least a second-place finish to keep his slim hopes for the overall championship alive.

However, Stark firmly defended his position, leaving Wyatt no room to advance.

Ultimately, Andersson delivered a stable performance, clinching the Sharjah Grand Prix title with a commanding lead and securing his season championship with 129 points.

Jonas Andersson (C) of the Vietnam Team is crowned as the UIM F1H2O World Champion for the third time at Road to Sharjah – Grand Prix of Sharjah in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, December 8, 2024. /F1H2O
Jonas Andersson (C) of the Vietnam Team is crowned as the UIM F1H2O World Champion for the third time at Road to Sharjah – Grand Prix of Sharjah in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, December 8, 2024. /F1H2O

Jonas Andersson (C) of the Vietnam Team is crowned as the UIM F1H2O World Champion for the third time at Road to Sharjah – Grand Prix of Sharjah in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, December 8, 2024. /F1H2O

Looking back at the season, the rivalry between the Vietnam Team and Sharjah Team defined the championship battle. Meanwhile, the China Tianrong F1H2O Team showcased consistent strength throughout the season. Lead driver Morin frequently appeared on the podium, and the team's steady progress suggests that they are well-positioned for greater success in the upcoming season.

Search Trends