Claim: The 1981 John Player Special Formula 1 World Series was the inaugural season of Formula 1 Powerboat racing, where Renato Molinari (an 18-time World Champion in different categories) was the series' first-ever champion, winning four of the five races he contested.
Evidence: The 1981 John Player Special Formula 1 World Series was the inaugural season of Formula 1 Powerboat racing. Renato Molinari was the series' first ever champion, winning four of the five races he contested. In addition to this success, Molinari is an 18-time World Champion (in different categories); 11-time European Champion (in different categories), 4-time winner of the Rouen 24 hours, 4-time winner of the Paris 6 hours; twice winner of the Parker Enduro and 3-time winner of the Berlin 6 hours.