McLaren launches eSports contest to find its next sim driver

McLaren has announced World’s Fastest Gamer – the world’s most intense and demanding competition for virtual racers.

It’s a contest that will see the winner offered the best job in esports – a role with the Formula 1 team as one of its official simulator drivers.

"This is a hugely exciting opportunity – not only within the gaming industry, but for everyone at McLaren and motorsport in general.

"We’ve long witnessed the growth of online sports gaming, and, right now, the parallels between the real and the virtual worlds have never been closer.

"This is absolutely the right time to be creating such a unique and exciting proposition; one that connects the worlds of racing and gaming in a way that’s never been explored before."

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Gamers will compete against each other on various platforms, with the ten best virtual drivers set to battle it out at a showdown to be held in the autumn at the McLaren Technology Center.

First prize is a one-year contract as a simulator driver, working with McLaren's engineers at the factory and at the race tracks.

"The winner will genuinely be a key part of our team at McLaren," added Brown.

"This is for real: we absolutely require additional support across our two simulator platforms, so the competition and the selection process will be rigorous, ruthless and compelling to watch."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.