Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero – Team Brady's Fireside Chat

Joe Sturdy and Ben King, Co-Team Principals at Team Brady, took centre stage at Sustainability LIVE Net Zero for a lively fireside chat. The pair opened up about the team’s origins, the future of electric marine racing and how E1 is championing sustainability through technology and purpose-driven partnerships.

From university friends to E1 world champions

Joe and Ben’s story began at university, where they bonded over engineering studies and a shared ambition to work together in the future. 

After a decade in top-tier motorsport – Joe at Red Bull Racing with Max Verstappen, and Ben with McLaren Automotive – they reunited to co-found a racing team in the emerging electric powerboat championship, E1.

Their connection to E1 began when Ben was first introduced to the idea through McLaren colleagues. 

“It wasn’t even a PowerPoint presentation, just a chat at the time about electric boat racing,” he recalled. What began as a side project, with countless late-night Teams calls across time zones, evolved into Team Brady – an E1 franchise backed by NFL legend Tom Brady.

“Tom had been sold on the vision of E1,” Joe explained, noting the alignment in values and performance mindset. With Brady’s backing, the team went from concept to podium – winning the first two races of 2024 and ultimately being crowned the inaugural E1 world champions.

E1: Pioneering electric marine sport for net-zero goals

Ben offered a clear summary of E1’s mission –  to do for the marine industry what Formula E has done for cars. 

“The marine industry is lagging on electrification,” he noted. “E1 is a proving ground for new sustainable technologies.”

From hydrofoils to electric drivetrains, E1 boats are significantly quieter and cleaner than traditional internal combustion engines. The reduced noise makes a measurable difference in underwater ecosystems. 

“When noise levels drop, marine wildlife begins communicating again,” said Ben, highlighting research E1 has conducted to monitor these environmental benefits.

Another key aspect is oil pollution. 

“One litre of oil can contaminate up to a million litres of water,” said Ben. 

Electrification not only eliminates this risk but drastically reduces the impact of marine transport on delicate ecosystems.

Beyond the racing itself, Team Brady is actively involved in the series’ Blue Impact Championship – an initiative that awards points for positive environmental contributions at each location. 

Through their ‘Race for Change’ campaign, the team showcases innovative partners like:

• Cambridge Mobile Telematics: who improve driving efficiency using smartphone data.

• Oceana: producers of team wear made from recycled ocean plastic. 

• Racing Force Group: whose specialist racing suits are made from nearly 100% recycled materials.

A new kind of racing: excitement, innovation and collaboration

The duo acknowledged the environmental scrutiny facing motorsport, particularly around travel and logistics. 

“In F1, everything’s flown. With E1, it’s shipped – much more efficient,” said Ben. “Even our live commentators work remotely from the UK to reduce travel.”

From smart marks – GPS-powered, anchor-free buoys that avoid seafloor damage – to exploring coatings that improve hull efficiency, E1’s commitment to sustainability extends across operations. 

As Joe put it, “We celebrate the imperfections. Motorsport has always been a proving ground. We’re here to test, learn and improve.”

Unlike traditional powerboat racing, E1’s boats are designed for agility, not brute speed. Their hydrofoil design allows racing close to shorelines without disturbing surrounding waters or boats. 

“It’s quiet, exciting and accessible. You feel part of the action,” Joe explained, referencing the recent race around Doha’s Pearl Marina.

When asked about the future of electric racing, both agreed that the landscape is shifting. 

“I think we’ve already reached the point where electric racing is a draw in its own right,” said Ben. “The show, the technology, the impact – it’s resonating.”

The conversation also addressed questions about the sport’s Saudi Arabian backing. 

“Without the funding, we wouldn’t be able to deliver the positive change we’re creating,” said Joe. Ben added, “It’s a move in the right direction. We could sit at home or we can try to make a difference.”

As the session wrapped, the passion and optimism from Team Brady left the audience energised. With a first world championship under their belt and a mission grounded in purpose, Joe and Ben are helping redefine the potential of motorsport – and showing how sustainability and high performance can go hand in hand.

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