Russell: Sim racing is 'definitely not the real thing'

Formula 1 driver George Russell says that while he enjoys the growing competitive nature of esports, it lacks the "fear factor and adrenaline" of the real thing.

Russell is using esports to keep himself in the public eye during lockdown, but the Williams driver also sees it as his duty to provide entertainment to suffering Formula 1 fans.

"It’s been good fun," Russell told the latest Sky Sports F1 Vodcast. "I think firstly, it’s brought the drivers together a little bit more – the ones who are taking part in this. I’ve enjoyed it.

"The streaming side of it is something I’ve never done before and I’ve actually really enjoyed doing it. It’s an easy way to just show your true colours and get your personality out there, and I think, from our side, there’s almost a bit of a duty to put on a bit of a show and a bit of entertainment for all of the loyal F1 fans who have got nothing to watch or to follow.

"Giving them this opportunity with us sat behind the computer is great, but it soon got very competitive which lead to hours of hours behind the computer screen in my living from on the simulator, which is not necessarily what I want to be doing when the weather’s nice in the garden."

After describing motor racing as being an anomaly in the sporting world, most other athletes able to practice their sport in gardens or at home, Russell specifically referencing footballers and tennis players, the 22-year-old listed several key differences between racing in the real and virtual worlds.

Russell added, "It’s definitely not the real thing. Part of racing is that feel sat in the car, driving through the corner at Silverstone at 180-200 miles an hour and [having] a bit of that fear factor and adrenaline whereas, when you’re sat in your living room and you’ve got a cup of tea on your side, it’s not really the same."

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