F1 launches 'Virtual Grand Prix Series' to replace postponed races!

©Codemasters

Formula 1 will officially move into the virtual world this season to keep fans interest alive, with a number of current F1 drivers taking part in the sport's new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series.

The coronavirus crisis has wreaked havoc on the 2020 season, with the opening seven rounds of the F1 world championship either cancelled or postponed.

While fans await the kick-off of the season, expected no earlier than Baku on June 7, F1 has set up a series of virtual races that will run in place of every called-off Grand Prix, starting this weekend on Sunday with the Virtual Bahrain Grand Prix.

The races, which will be broadcast on F1's official Youtube channel, will feature a group of current F1 drivers and a series of yet to be announced guest stars.

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"We are very pleased to be able to bring some light relief in the form of the F1 Esports Virtual GP, in these unpredictable times, as we hope to entertain fans missing the regular sporting action," said Julian Tan, Head of F1's Digital Business Initiatives and Esports.

"With every major sports league in the world unable to compete, it is a great time to highlight the benefits of Esports and the incredible skill that's on show."

The 'Virtual Grand Prix Series' series will use the official F1 2019 PC video game, developed by Codemasters, with the first race in Bahrain run over 38 laps, or 50% of the event's normal distance.

There will also be a qualifying period to determine grid positions.

However, due to the wide variety of gaming skill levels amongst the various drivers, game settings will be simplified to encourage "competitive and entertaining racing", according to F1.

Driver will enjoy "equal car performance with fixed setups, reduced vehicle damage, and optional anti-lock brakes and traction control for those less familiar with the game".

Unfortunately, the Vietnam and Zandvoort tracks are not yet part of the official Codemasters F1 game, so those circuits will be replaced by alternative venues.

While the line between the real and virtual worlds is getting finer, F1 has made clear that "no official World Championship points will be up for grabs for the drivers". As if there was ever any doubt…

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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.