F1 News: Ferrari's Vettel set to join rivals in Esports competitions

The four-time world champion has so far steered clear of joining in with the recent rush to take part in Esports events, with the scene generally dominated by younger drivers such as Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

But after witnessing his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc enjoy his venture in to sim racing, Vettel says he put an order in and is now ready to start competing.

When asked by Autosport if he had tempted by seeing his rivals competing so much, Vettel said: "Well the truth is, I didn't have a simulator until a couple days ago so I have not been tempted because I didn't have the chance.

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"But I have heard a lot of things about it so I thought I might get one and try, but I need to still set it up properly.

"Generally, I'm not going to foresee a career in sim racing. I think it's more something to try for fun.

"I grew up with some of the stuff and I've been playing some games, but to be honest since I had kids it's not the first thing on my list to do. I will see how much time there will be.

"But I have read some of the news that some have been racing and I've also read that Charles did well on his debut so that was good for him and the team."

Leclerc has joined F1's official Virtual Grand Prix series, winning on his debut in a race using Melbourne's Albert Park circuit, and has also been instrumental in setting up a charity tournament.

But Vettel is clear that, while open minded about sim racing, he will always prefer the real thing.

"I still consider it a bit more of a fun thing," he said. "Races still have to happen in the real world outside. So, that's still where the focus lies.

"The rest is good fun. I'm aware that some people take it very seriously and spend a lot of time there but I also enjoy doing other things. So, it will be a bit of a mix."