Leclerc pulls out of Virtual GP finale - Russell clinches title

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Charles Leclerc's commitment to this weekend's virtual Le Mans 24 Hours has decided the Monegasque to pull out of the Virtual Canadian GP finale scheduled to take place on Sunday evening, therefore handing the title to series leader George Russell.

Ferrari's Leclerc was the only driver capable of eventually beating the Williams charger in F1's official virtual championship that will wrap up on Sunday with a round in Montreal.

However, Russell will still face some strong opposition for a final race win, with usual rivals Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi joined on the grid by Valtteri Bottas and Pierre Gasly.

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Guest stars for Sunday's finale will include Sweden's gold-medal freeskier Jon Olsson and Biffy Clyro singer Simon Neil.

Lando Norris, who will be racing alongside Max Verstappen for Team Redline at Le Mans, is also expected to take a pass on the Virtual Canadian GP race.

Ferrari and McLaren have yet to announce replacements for Leclerc and Norris, but a host of F2 chargers will be online for the Montreal encounter, including renault junior Guanyu Zhou, Louis Deletraz and Pietro Fittipaldi,

David Schumacher will drive for Racing Point while Brazilian charger Caio Collet will partner Zhou at Renault.

The Virtual Canadian GP will kick off at 6pm UK time (1pm EST - 7pm CET), with the event streamed live over its usual YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels.

The Virtual Le Mans 24 Hours is set to start on Saturday at 2pm UK time (9am EST - 3pm CET), with the action streamed live on the FIA WEC and ACO Le Mans YouTube channels.

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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.