Sebastian Vettel is in the process of setting up his home simulator and becoming the next high profile F1 driver to join the Esports fray.

Vettel, who doesn't have a presence on social media and typically keeps his private life under wraps, has so far shied away from the sim racing arena where the likes of Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and more recently Charles Leclerc spend a great deal of time.

But life in confinement has encouraged the four-time world champion to get himself involved in the virtual world.

"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," said Vettel, quoted by Motorsport.com in an online interview with selected media on Thursday.

"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."

Vettel is happy to try his hand at sim racing but insists it'll never replace the real thing.

"I think I still consider it a bit more of a fun thing," he said. "I think 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."

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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.

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