Virtual GP to race at Interlagos with five F1 drivers confirmed

Brazil’s Interlagos circuit will be the venue for this weekend’s Formula 1 Virtual Grand Prix, which replaces the postponed Dutch Grand Prix.

Five current F1 drivers have been confirmed as taking part so far, though McLaren’s Lando Norris is missing from the initial line-up after repeated server glitches prevented him from contesting the opening three rounds.

Two-time Virtual GP race-winner Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, Antonio Giovinazzi and Williams pair George Russell and Nicholas Latifi will take part in this Sunday’s event.

The race will be held at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, the home of the Brazilian Grand Prix, after being selected in an online fan vote. Interlagos will replace Circuit Zandvoort, which is not available on the F1 2019 videogame.

England cricketers Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes headline the guest contingent of competitors for the fourth race of the Virtual Grand Prix season, along with AC Milan football captain Alessio Romagnoli.

Broad will race for AlphaTauri, with Stokes completing Red Bull’s line up alongside Albon as he contests his second Virtual Grand Prix, having made his debut at the Vietnam round which was held at Albert Park.

The Dutch Virtual Grand Prix will consist of a half-distance, 28-lap race beginning at 6pm BST. It will be broadcast on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch Weibo and Facebook channels, as well as on Sky Sports in the UK.

“We are delighted that so many fans are watching and engaging with the F1 Esports Virtual Grands Prix," said Julian Tan, Head of Digital Business Initiatives and Esports.

"The viewership continues to go from strength to strength, outlining the growing success of the races and the wider potential of Formula 1 in esports.

"Furthermore, we are thrilled to welcome more stars from outside the world of F1, to complement our strong F1 and motorsport driver grid, and use this opportunity to link up with other sports as we all stand together to give fans something to cheer about during these difficult times.”