F1 sets up Esports Virtual Grand Prix to replace postponed races

Formula 1 has launched a new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series which will run as replacements to the postponed races and include some current F1 drivers.

With the sport facing an 11-week layoff after calling off the opening seven rounds, virtual races will now take place for every postponed Grand Prix starting this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday (March 22).

The series will match up current F1 drivers against a host of stars which will be announced over the coming days. All drivers will compete remotely with a host broadcast live from the Gfinity Esports Arena starting at 20:00 GMT this Sunday.

Using the official F1 2019 video game, the opening round in Bahrain will be a 50% length race, 28 laps, and broadcast live on F1’s YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels including qualifying and the race.

The series has been launched purely for entertainment purposes and will have no impact on the 2020 F1 world championship.

During non-race weekends, F1 will also host online exhibition races which will give fans the opportunity to take on 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,” Julian Tan, Head of Digital Business Initiatives and Esports at F1, said.

“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.”

F1 races not available on the 2019 video game, including the Dutch and Vietnamese rounds, will be replaced by an alternative Grand Prix.

The initial plan is to run the series until the end of May but if the ongoing suspension to the 2020 F1 season continues the initiative will be extended.