How Does F1 Esports Work?

F1 Esports is a new initiative from Formula 1 that aims to bring the excitement of the sport to a whole new audience through competitive gaming.

Introduction

Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. The best drivers in the world compete in the fastest and most technologically advanced cars on some of the most iconic circuits around the globe, in front of millions of fans.

However, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing the cancellation or postponement of several races this year, Formula 1 has had to look at alternative ways to keep fans engaged. One such way is through esports – competitive gaming using simulation software that mimics real-world conditions.

With that in mind, here is a beginner’s guide to Formula 1 esports, explaining how it works and what you can expect to see from the upcoming Virtual Grand Prix series…

What is F1 Esports?

F1 Esports is a competitive gaming series sanctioned by the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The series was inaugurated in 2017, with the intention of increasing interest in Formula One among younger audiences.

Competitors in the F1 Esports series race virtually on the same tracks as their real-world counterparts, using the official game of the series, F1 2019. The game features all 21 of the tracks that were on the 2019 Formula One World Championship calendar, as well as both of that year’s halo-fitted cars.

Races are typically held over a course of a weekend, with qualifying sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, and the main race on Sundays. Points are awarded to drivers based on their finishing position in each race, and the driver who accumulates the most points over the course of a season is crowned champion.

In addition to individual races, there are also team championships contested in the F1 Esports series. These team championships mirror those in real-world Formula One, with constructors compete against each other over the course of a season to be crowned champions.

The first ever F1 Esports World Champion was Brendon Leigh, who raced for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports. Leigh defended his title in 2018, becoming the first back-to-back champion in the history of the series.

How Does F1 Esports Work?

The F1 esports series is a racing competition set up by Formula One and supported by various gaming companies. From its inception in 2017, the F1 esports series has seen drivers from all over the world compete in virtual Grand Prix races. But how does it work?

The F1 Esports Series

The F1 Esports Series is a new racing championship launched by Formula 1 in partnership with esports experts Gfinity. The first ever season will take place in 2017, with qualifying races taking place online over the course of four months. The best players from around the world will then be invited to compete in a live event at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The F1 Esports Series is open to anyone aged 18 or over and will feature three racing categories:
-Pro Draft: For the best professional racers in the world. These drivers will be selected by Formula 1 teams based on their performances in online qualifying races.
-Wilkinson Sword Trophy: For the best amateur racers in the world. These drivers will qualify for the live event by finishing in the top three of an online leaderboard.
-Team Event: For up to four drivers representing each of the 10 Formula 1 teams. These teams will be formed through an application process, with team members then being chosen by team bosses ahead of each race weekend.

During each race weekend, points will be awarded to drivers based on their finishing position. The driver who accumulates the most points over the course of the season will be crowned the F1 Esports Series champion.

The F1 Esports Pro Series

The F1 Esports Pro Series is a competitive circuit for the best virtual racers in the world. The Series features races on three different tracks for each of the 10 teams, with points awarded to the top 10 finishers in each race. The Series culminates in a live event where the top drivers from each team will compete for the title of F1 Esports champion.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that F1 Esports is a way for fans of Formula 1 racing to get involved in the sport in a competitive way. By playing the official F1 video game, fans can not only race against each other but also against real-life F1 drivers. This makes for a unique and exciting experience that simulates what it might be like to be a real F1 driver.