As previously reported, Formula 1 is bringing back the Virtual GP Series for three weeks only.
Just like the events that took place as motorsport was suspended at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, this race will feature a number of celebrities, influencers and a sprinkling of F1 drivers as well. This melting pot of talent will be competing on Codemaster’s F1 2020 game.
The only full-time 2021 Formula 1 drivers taking part this week are the Williams pairing of George Russell and Nicholas Latifi. Unfortunately, they’ll be no repeat of the epic battles between Russell and Charles LeClerc as the Ferrari driver isn’t present. However, Charles’ younger brother Arthur lines up for the Marinello team.
Although Lando Norris / Landobot is missing, fans of Somalian influencer Jimmy Broadbent will be happy to see him return to the McLaren.
There is slightly more involvement of the F1 Esports drivers in this iteration of the Virtual GP Series. They’ll be racing in a 5 lap sprint race that determines the starting order for the main Feature race.
Feature Race
Mercedes: Stoffel Vandoorne and Anthony Davidson
Red Bull Racing: Alex Albon and Jeffrey Herlings
McLaren: Jimmy Broadbent and Ben ‘Tiametmarduk’ Daly
Alpine: Christian Lundgaard and Oscar Piastri
Ferrari Driver Academy: Marcus Armstrong and Arthur Leclerc
Alpha Tauri: Vitantonio Liuzzi and Luca Salvadori
Alfa Romeo: Thibaut Courtois and Jack ‘Pie Face’ McDermott
Haas: Pietro and Enzo Fittipaldi
Williams: George Russell and Nicholas Latifi
Sprint Race
Mercedes: Jarno Opmeer and Dnai Moreno
Red Bull Racing: Frede Rasmussen and Marcel Kiefer
McLaren: James Baldwin and Josh Idowu
Alpine: Nicolas Longuet and Fabrizio Donoso
Ferrari Driver Academy: David Tonizza and Bendon Leigh
Alpha Tauri: Joni Tormala and Manuel Biancolilla
Alfa Romeo: Dani Bereznay and Thijmen Schutte
Haas: Cedric Thome and Samuel Libeert
Williams: Alvaro Carreton and Alessio di Capua
Where to watch
Firstly, it’s important to note that the show starts at 18:00 UTC / 19:00 CET / 13:00 ET.
You can watch on the official F1 YouTube, Facebook and Twitch channels. There are also a number of TV channels broadcasting the show, including Sky Sports, ESPN, FOX Sports, Ziggo Sport and Huya / Weibo (China).
There are just three rounds to the 2021 Virtual GP series. This Sunday’s event (31st January) takes place on the Austrian Grand Prix circuit with round 2 on 7th February (Silverstone) and round 3 on the 14th February (Interlagos).
Be sure to check out our race report from the action following the show. We’ll be bringing you all the news on next week’s line-up as soon as we have it as well.
