Why F1’s pantomime Virtual GP is fun but unsustainable
F1 Esports' inaugural Virtual Grand Prix last weekend provided brilliant entertainment to those tuning in to watch a mix of F1 drivers and celebrities battle on track, but was a missed opportunity for marketing its own Esports stars. A change of approach is needed if it is to successfully fill the void until the resumption of proper racing
There's little doubt that Formula 1's inaugural Virtual Grand Prix had wide-spread entertainment value, but the incident-strewn race and lack of sim drivers participating will do little to provide a sustainable platform for its Esports series to shine in the long-term.
The coronavirus pandemic has put Esports centre stage amid the cancellation of almost all real-life motorsport events for the next few months, and the host of sim racing events from across the spectrum on display last weekend - from NASCAR to F1 to IMSA - demonstrated the importance placed on remaining relevant by increasing or beginning an Esports output.
Share Or Save This Story
St Petersburg IndyCar: Newgarden wins as Dixon claims sixth title
St Petersburg Indycar: Power takes pole as title chasers struggle
Four F2 teams lodge intention to appeal against Schumacher's Sochi win
Lazarus heads Red Bull after LMES Super Final day two
IndyCar Mid-Ohio: Herta takes victory and leads home Andretti 1-2-3
Mid-Ohio IndyCar: Herta grabs pole for race two after rain-hit qualifying
New F3 champion Piastri praises "invaluable" support from manager Webber
Analysis: How an unlikely tie-up won sim racing's biggest race
WRC Acropolis: Neuville victorious after Ogier rolls on final stage
MotoGP San Marino GP: Moto2 and Moto3 results
Why the turbine Lotus experiment failed to realise its potential in F1
The other Ducati rider on a MotoGP resurgence
Analysis: How an unlikely tie-up won sim racing's biggest race
How poor driving standards ruined IndyCar's golden opportunity
Why Leclerc's Virtual GP annihilation deserves great credit
How the hidden side of being fast has been exposed
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
