Formula 1 has launched an esports Virtual Grand Prix series to enable fans to continue watching F1 races virtually despite coronavirus disruptions.
Featuring a number of current F1 drivers, the virtual races will run in place of every postponed Grand Prix, starting this weekend with the Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix on 22nd March, broadcast live from the Gfinity Esports Arena.
The series will use the official F1 2019 PC video game, developed by Codemasters, with the live broadcast available on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels.
During non-race weekends, F1 will also host online exhibition races, where fans from around the world will be given the chance to go head-to-head with F1 drivers.
“We are very pleased to be able to bring some light relief in the form of the F1 Esports Virtual GP, in these unpredictable times, as we hope to entertain fans missing the regular sporting action,” said Julian Tan, F1’s head of digital business initiatives and esports. “With every major sports league in the world unable to compete, it is a great time to highlight the benefits of esports and the incredible skill that’s on show.”
