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

Josh Suttill Mar 24, 2020, 10:53 AM

Upd: Mar 24, 2020, 1:50 PM

Motorsport.com's Prime content

The best content from Motorsport.com Prime, our subscription service. Subscribe here to get access to all the features.

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.