What happens when two exceptional talents cross paths? Mallorcan legend Rafael Nadal and Hollywood star Will Smith had an extraordinary moment in Lake Como as they geared up to participate in an exciting sports event. Smith, who already received much acclaim for his role as Serena Williams’ father in King Richard, met the Spaniard and took the internet by storm. As the event unfolds, it leaves the audience palpable: what will happen next?

Nadal and Smith, owners of Rafa Pilots and Westbrook Racing teams, recently met each other ahead of the E1 Lake Como GP that will take place on the 23rd and 24th of August in Cernobbio. It is the world’s first electric raceboat championship. Hosted by the stunning Villa d’Este, this racing series will anchor in Lake Como.

The official X profile of the E1 Series shared a clip where Rafa was seen talking to the organizers and the hosts when Will Smith walked to him and said, “What’s up man?” then they hugged and continued their conversation.

Nadal checked his team’s boat, costumes, and helmet and clicked a photo with his team’s members. “When Will Smith met Rafa Nadal… two legends, two icons. Two of our legendary team owners have landed on-site and are buzzing to see their teams racing H2H this weekend,” tweeted the official X profile of the E1 Series.

These two legends laughed and chatted away. The tweet soon became popular, with 285 views in less than two hours. One Nadal fan took a screenshot of Smith hugging and greeting Rafa and shared their delight about the moment. 

The Spaniard became a team owner in the UIM E1 World Championship last year. He announced a new E1 Partnership with Sunreef Yachts for five years last June. Apart from Smith, Nadal joined an impressive and famous roaster of team owners, including Didier Drogba, Marcelo Claure, Sergio Perez, and Virat Kohli. Smith joined the E1 in May, expressing an “affinity for electric and competitive sports with E1’s mission to accelerate sustainability in marine mobility.“

Founded by Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso, E1 has always felt exceptional after Nadal joined their roaster of team owners. The Spaniard legend also had a similar expression as he revealed why he chose this sport.

Rafael Nadal admitted his reason to own a boat racing team in the E1

While Nadal is popular for his impressive tennis skills, he has a special inclination for boats. “I love boats, I love competition and at the same time I know the E1 World Championship will help electric technology in the nautical world, so I am very excited about that. I also know that all around the races there are going to be programmes to protect and to restore marine eco-systems. That is super interesting, especially because I love the ocean. So I’ll be able to be part of something that important, makes me feel so happy,” he said.

The E1 craze has caught many athletes, as even Tom Brady has joined the fray. On a call with owners of other teams, Brady declared that his team would be the obvious victors. However, Rafael Nadal was quick to respond as he said, “My team is practicing like a beast so we will be ready for it. See you there.“

The E1 Lake Como GP has already garnered much popularity following its list of celebrity team owners. While boat racing has not gained as much popularity as tennis or the NFL, Nadal’s presence will soon popularize the sport creating a dedicated fanbase.