via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – McLaren’s Lando Norris in action during qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – McLaren’s Lando Norris in action during qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
Australian F1 gamer, Ben ‘Tiametmarduk’ Daly, took part in the first Virtual Grand Prix of the 2021 season. He raced for McLaren in the Austrian Virtual Grand Prix.
Tiametmarduk experienced a lot of dirty driving throughout the race.
I know this is supposed to be a bit of fun, but being pushed off the track in a straight line isn’t cool. #VirtualGP pic.twitter.com/NgrfnSl7rJ
— Benjamin (@Tiametmarduk) January 31, 2021
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This ultimately cost him and McLaren a points finish in the first Virtual Grand Prix of the season. He and ‘teammate’ Jimmy Broadbent were unable to get McLaren’s first points of the season.
Enzo Fittipaldi wins the first Virtual Grand Prix of the F1 eSports season
The Fittipaldi family name saw a renaissance with the Fittipaldi brothers getting great results for Haas in the Virtual Grand Prix. Enzo won the race whereas elder brother Pietro brought the virtual car home in 5th. They are the grandsons of 2 time World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi.
The winning moment for @enzofitti 🤩🎉
And just look at what it means to @PiFitti as well 🤗#VirtualGP 🎮 #F1 pic.twitter.com/3TSeCeLhlv
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 31, 2021
He got this win after starting the race 9th in the grid, taking advantage of a chaotic start amongst the front runners. Enzo was given a tough race by Ferrari Driver Academy’s Arthur Leclerc, brother of Charles Leclerc.
The virtual Ferrari of Leclerc ended up finishing 3rd. The series now heads to Silverstone, for the second Virtual Grand Prix of the season.
F1 eSports set to improve on record-breaking 2020 season
F1 eSports are seeking to build on a 2020 season, which saw close to 11.4 million live streams across every digital platform. Hence, they have looked to make the 2021 season, bigger and better than ever.
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They are starting the year off with the Virtual Grand Prix series, which saw F1 stars take part last season. They have made a few tweaks to the format.
The 10 teams will face off for a charity prize fund and will consist of present and past F1 drivers, celebrities, and professional F1 eSports gamers.
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The format for this season sees the pro gamers taking part in a 5 lap Sprint Race, which determines grid position for the Feature Race. The Feature Race will have the celebrity duos face-off, completing a 50% race distance to determine the points.
