The broadcast, which will be available on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels, as well as F1.com, is expected to run for 1 hour 30 minutes, with a qualifying period where grid positions will be determined based on the drivers’ fastest lap time.Due to the wide variety of gaming skill levels amongst the drivers, game settings will be configured in such a way to encourage competitive and entertaining racing. Formula 1 has today announced the launch of a new F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series, featuring a number of current F1 drivers. Making An Esports Champion - Episode 2: Talent Tap here to watch the race live now. Pro Exhibition races, featuring the Pro F1 Esports drivers, received over 2.5m digital views, as competitors honed their skills ahead of the F1 Esports Series 2020 which will take place later this year.Julian Tan, Head of Digital Business Initiatives and Esports said: “Now the series has come to an end, it gives us a chance to reflect on the huge success that it has been, which is reflected in the very impressive viewing figures and engagement stats.

"Our aim at the start of this journey was to provide live sporting action for those craving some racing relief, and now as we and the teams, whom we are extremely grateful to for their support and commitment throughout the series, turn our focus to the 2020 season and the F1 Esports Series, we can be proud that we were able to provide such entertainment to our fans, and beyond.”Leclerc says P13 ‘better than expected’ after double Q2 drop-out for FerrariANALYSIS: How and why are Ferrari so far off the pace in Belgium?WATCH: Giovinazzi and Russell walk away after huge shunt in Belgian GPNorris blasts Ocon for ‘dangerous’ out lap at Spa after qualifying P10WATCH: Hamilton’s record-breaking pole lap at Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix© 2003-2020 Formula One World Championship Limited Current Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, George Russell, Lando Norris, Nicholas Latifi and Antonio Giovinazzi have all confirmed they will be on the grid for the second instalment of the F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series this weekend.

The series has been created to enable fans to continue watching Formula 1 races virtually, despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation that has affected this season’s opening race calendar. Ferrari looking to put ‘extremely frustrating’ Spa weekend behind them ahead of pair of home races'I feel better than ever' says Hamilton after sealing 89th F1 victory with textbook win in SpaHIGHLIGHTS: Watch the key moments as Hamilton storms to fourth Belgian GP winRicciardo buzzing after ‘big’ final lap gives him extra point to go with fourth placeBelgian GP ‘not enjoyable’ says Verstappen after ‘lonely’ run to P3The series was created to enable fans to continue watching Formula 1 races virtually, despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation, and to watch their favourite drivers battle it out when racing was not possible.

Further success was evident on YouTube, with F1 having three of the top five sports videos on the platform in the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy between 15 March – 28 April, with #2 and #5 being Virtual Grands Prix.The series has allowed a number of F1 drivers to engage with fans on a more personal level, as well as boosting their profile on a wider scale, with drivers including Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Lando Norris and Alex Albon all regularly connecting with fans through their personal Twitch accounts, reaching an additional 2.7 million viewers, according to TwitchTracker.The likes of Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero and the F1 gaming community also contributed to the growth, having streamed the events from their own homes. The series has been created to enable fans to continue watching Formula 1 races virtually, despite the ongoing COVID-19 situation that … TOP 5: Best action from the third 2019 Esports event TV viewership estimates suggest the Virtual Grands Prix also accumulated a further 5 million views through broadcast partners in over 100 countries.The second event, titled the Virtual Vietnam Grand Prix but taking place on the Albert Park circuit, was the #1 trending video on YouTube UK post-event that day (Sunday 5 April).

Formula 1 have revealed that the F1 Esports - Virtual Grand Prix series, which drew to a close last weekend, achieved a record-breaking 30 million views across TV and digital platforms during the lockdown period, as fans tuned in for live sporting action, including eight Virtual Grands Prix, Pro Exhibition races and #Challenge events.

Canada Virtual GP: The moment George Russell won the Esports championship This includes running equal car performance with fixed setups, reduced vehicle damage, and optional anti-lock brakes and traction control for those less familiar with the game.The series is strictly for entertainment purposes, to bring racing action to fans in this unprecedented scenario the world has been affected by, with no official World Championship points up for grabs for the drivers.During non-race weekends, Formula 1 will also be hosting online exhibition races, where fans from around the world will be given the chance to go head-to-head with F1 drivers.