Competing in Monaco where he was the victim of a spectacular collision, Tom Chiappe can become world champion in electric foiling boats

At just 25 years old, Tom Chiappe is already a two-time karting world champion and an experienced powerboat racing driver. This week, he's back in the driver's seat of his electric foiling boat in Monaco for a new round of the E1 Series. A competition he believes in wholeheartedly, both for its potential and its ecological message. Victim of a high-speed collision on the Monaco waters this Saturday , his presence is not compromised for this Sunday's race. Portrait.

A native of Rouen, Tom Chiappe grew up surrounded by the roar of engines and the wake of legends. His father, Philippe Chiappe, is none other than a three-time world champion in F1 motorboating. A name that resonates in the nautical paddocks like a guarantee of excellence. His son will be no exception.

" I started karting at the age of 5 ," recalls Tom. " At the same time, I also did BMX and motocross. I've always been immersed in competition ." At 16, he moved to the water. He joined the Emirat Racing Team in the F4H20 motorboat endurance world championship. He made a name for himself in 2016. Runner-up in 2017, he won the world title the following year, becoming the youngest champion in the discipline.

No time for practice

The Covid crisis disrupted his schedule. He then returned to his first love: karting. Recruited by the Swiss team Eiriz Racing, he distinguished himself in the SWS World Championship. In 2023, he won a second world title. And today, he alternates between the two disciplines.

" I'm one of the few to compete in two different world championships. That's about 25 races a year. I don't have time to train in between. I focus everything on my physical preparation with about 30 hours of sport per week ," he says.

Nadal as mentor

For the past two years, Tom has been competing in the E1 Series, a world championship for electric foiling boats launching in 2023. A discipline that is still relatively unknown but has a great future. " The E1 is the premier category for electric boat racing. Winning this championship is the Holy Grail ."

Each team is made up of one man and one woman, in a deliberate effort to achieve parity. Tom races for Team Rafa, supported by Rafael Nadal. " I've been part of his team since the beginning. He's not just a name on the hull, he's very involved. I was still with him Thursday evening after my trials. We debrief together. He gives me advice. He's a bit of a mentor ," he says happily.

Tom's teammate, Cris Lazarraga, comes from a jet-ski background. " That's also what makes the competition interesting. We all come from different backgrounds: motorbikes, cycling, sailing, karting ..." And yet, the conditions are the same for everyone. " All the boats are identical. Even the weight is adjusted. Each driver is weighed before the race and then an average is generated. We add about 10kg to my boat in my case. We can't modify the propellers or the foils. The data is shared between the teams. The goal is a fair, equal, and ecological competition ."

In Monaco like at home

From Friday to Saturday, the Principality will host a new round of this championship with global ambitions. Seven races are scheduled this year, in seven different countries. After free practice on Thursday, qualifying took place this Friday, before the big race on Saturday.

A special moment for the young driver. " In Monaco, it's like a Grand Prix at home. This stage is very important ." But the conditions promise to be formidable, as he explained on Friday after the first tests on the circuit located opposite the Mareterra docks. " The course isn't easy. We're in the open sea, with lots of waves. The boat takes off with every acceleration. You have to keep control despite the jumps. It's a demanding course, but one that I particularly like. "

What's special about the E1s? These single-seater, 100% electric flying boats with foils. " We're flying completely. The boat doesn't touch the water. You have to keep it in the air for as long as possible. It's fantastic, but it requires a lot of precision ."

Aiming for the double crown

At this point in the season, Tom Chiappe leads the overall standings. There are three rounds left, including Monaco. The grand finale is scheduled for November 8 in Miami. Nothing is decided, but the ambition is clear . "The dream would be to become world champion in both karting and E1. I'm lucky enough to be able to do both disciplines. So, I'm going to give it my all. "

An unwavering determination, fueled by years of hard work, heritage, and passion. In Monaco, Tom Chiappe feels almost at home. But he's looking toward history, ready to make his mark on the sport on the road and at sea.