Red Bull Italy SailGP Team Claim Breakthrough Podium In Abu Dhabi Finale
by Red Bull Italy SailGP Team 30 Nov 21:02 GMT
29-30 November 2025
Red Bull Italy SailGP Team helmed by Phil Robertson races past the Abu Dhabi skyline during a practice session ahead of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix Season Grand Final presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council © Christopher Pike for SailGP
In the light winds, teams were forced to operate with skeleton crews as racing became a slow-motion pressure cooker. Wind barely touched six knots, foiling opportunities were rare, and every manoeuvre demanded twice the effort with fewer hands on deck managing the F50 boats.
Saturday's four races saw a tightly packed fleet squeezing through whatever breeze they could find. Italy posted a score of 8-4-3-7, leaving the water in second place heading into the final day. On Super Sunday, the Italians held their nerve with a 5-6 score, playing their way up the board when it mattered most to secure their strongest result of the campaign.
Spithill called it "an awesome way to end our first season", pointing to how smoothly Robertson and strategist Jana Germani had integrated into the race team.
"I think it's a testament to all the hard work the team has put in throughout the season," added Robertson. "It was great to finally show the team's potential going forward. Now it's all about focusing on next season and how we can improve even more."
Denmark took the Abu Dhabi victory, with France completing the podium behind Italy. But the story of the weekend belonged to the new Italian outfit closing out its debut season on a high, showing composure under the hardest conditions SailGP can throw at a team.
Spithill already has eyes on the next chapter: "Can't wait for Season 6—Dai Boys & Girls!"
Red Bull Italy SailGP Team now looks to keep pushing when SailGP Season 6 kicks off on 17-18 January 2026, at the Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix.