In 2020 it was one of the sporting markers of the global shutdown when virtual F1 races were televised in place of the postponed real events and watched by an incredible 30 million people.
In 2021 they are returning albeit for only three weekends starting on January 31st.
11 of the 20 F1 drivers on the grid last season took part over eight virtual races, alongside a collection of celebrities, games and other sports stars.
The TV viewing at a time when there was no other sporting action of any description were higher than expected, with an undoubted bounce from the popularity of the Netflix Drive to Survive show.
Malaren driver Lando Noris was one of those who took part and went on to create his own esport content team, Quantum.
This time around professional gamers will be involved in a sprint race to determine the grid positions of the drivers. Each race is expected to run over half the distance of a real event and take place in less than one hour.
The races were broadcast last year on the Sky Sports F1 Channel and over Twitch and are expected to be so again in 2021.
Sport for Business Partners
