F1 News, Reports and Race Results

From virtual to real: F1 eSports champ gets racing opportunity!

F1 eSports world champion Brendon Leigh could find himself racing in the real world next month at the Race of Champions in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia.

Leigh conquered Formula 1's first eSports title in Abu Dhabi last November, beating his 19 sim rivals in a thrilling finale.

The 18-year-old gamer is set to take part in the inaugural eRace of Champions in February, a new competition which will run parallel to the traditional ROC event.

In a series of virtual and real-world challenges, five top sim racers, including Leigh, will fight for the eROC title, with the winner awarded a spot in the main ROC event!

"It was one of my first objectives - to get into real racing cars," said Leigh, who could find himself battling the likes of David Coulthard, Lando Norris or Helio Castroneves.

"I could never have imagined it would be at an event like this. I am excited but also nervous as it will be my first ever time in a real racing car.

"As F1 Esports champion, I'm aware that the spotlight will be on me."

The 30th edition of the ROC will take place on February 2-3 in Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Magali Duqué

Recent Posts

Horner in Jerez: Surprise MotoGP visit sparks ownership visit

The asphalt at Jerez was already sizzling on Saturday, but the temperature in the MotoGP…

15 hours ago

Michele Alboreto: Ferrari's last Italian winner

On this day in 2001, the world of motorsport mourned the loss of Michele Alboreto,…

17 hours ago

Ouch! Alesi spins vintage F1 Ferrari into Monaco barrier

Former Grand Prix driver Jean Alesi, who famously wore his heart on his sleeve during…

18 hours ago

Montoya’s shock call: Ban Verstappen from GT3 racing!

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has called out Red Bull for letting Max Verstappen…

19 hours ago

‘Starting to pay off’: Sainz encouraged by positive step for Williams

While the start of the 2026 season has been a heavy lift for Williams –…

21 hours ago

Brown: Cozy team alliances a risk for F1’s ‘sporting fairness’

Zak Brown has once again lit the fuse on one of the sport’s most controversial…

22 hours ago