“The F1 One Is More Celebrities, People Like Liam Payne”: Lando Norris Gives His Preference in Esports Events

Lando Norris believes other Esports events are more competitive when compared to F1. The Briton said he preferred Veloce Esports to  F1’s Virtual Grand Prix Series.  While events such as Veloce are focused on drivers showing off their racing skills at a very high level, F1’s virtual races are geared towards a broader audience.

Lando Norris not a huge fan of F1’s Esports event

While Formula 1’s official Esports event is very enjoyable it’s not necessarily the pinnacle of Esports. By adding big names and celebrities to these events F1 prioritizes glitz and glamour over actual sim driving skill. Veloce’s events are undoubtedly much harder with a lot more competition. Moreover, the event consists of pro games and sim racers who compete to win.

Norris spends a considerable amount of time sim racing and acknowledged this fact. The Brit and Max Verstappen are perhaps the only drivers from the current grid who compete regularly in sim racing. Speaking to Motorsport.com, Norris said:

“I probably like the Veloce ones at the moment a bit more, because you do have to take them a bit more seriously,”

“The F1 one is more celebrities, people like [One Direction singer] Liam Payne.

“The Veloce one I would say is a little bit more serious in some ways. We have some big YouTubers and content creators, but we have more simulator drivers, people who play on F1 2019, and more professional drivers.”

“The F1 ones are also fun because you’re still racing against some real drivers, but it’s not quite as serious.”

Virtual Grand Prix – Round 2

Norris will compete in today’s Virtual Grand Prix. Joining the Brit will be George Russell, Alex Albon, Charles Leclerc, Nicholas Latifi and Antonio Giovinazzi.

F1 will emulate the cancelled Australian Grand Prix with a race around Albert Park Circuit. As the F1 2019 game lacks the Hanoi circuit, F1 won’t go racing in Vietnam but Melbourne instead.

The race is sure to be a chaotic affair but won’t compromise on enjoyment. With real-life drivers, gamers, former legends and celebrities with no connection to motorsport, the race will surely cure those offseason blues.

F1 stream round 2 of the Virtual Grand Prix Series via its social media channels starting at 1900 UTC.