F1’s pantomime Virtual GP is fun but unsustainable

F1 Esports' inaugural Virtual Grand Prix last weekend provided brilliant entertainment to those tuning in to watch a mix of F1 drivers and celebrities battle on track, but was a missed opportunity for marketing its own Esports stars. A change of approach is needed if it is to successfully fill the void until the resumption of proper racing

Updated Mar 24, 2020, 1:50 PM

There's little doubt that Formula 1's inaugural Virtual Grand Prix had wide-spread entertainment value, but the incident-strewn race and lack of sim drivers participating will do little to provide a sustainable platform for its Esports series to shine in the long-term.

The coronavirus pandemic has put Esports centre stage amid the cancellation of almost all real-life motorsport events for the next few months, and the host of sim racing events from across the spectrum on display last weekend - from NASCAR to F1 to IMSA - demonstrated the importance placed on remaining relevant by increasing or beginning an Esports output.