Perez and Gasly set for esports debuts

Sergio Perez and Pierre Gasly will compete in the Formula 1 Virtual Grand Prix series for the first time in Sunday's Virtual Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Racing Point had yet to field either real-world driver in the competition. After entering a series of young drivers, sports personalities and celebrities, Perez now steps in to join the party.

“I’m excited to give the Esports competition a go," said the Mexican. "It’s definitely got people talking and, looking at the races, they’re very entertaining to watch – sometimes maybe even more so than the real thing! It’s really amazing to see what the top drivers are able to do and, of course, they are professionals in their own right, so we can’t expect to be on their level straight away.

"But to be honest, I’m really missing racing right now, so I’m just looking forward to getting back to competing and seeing what I can do!”

Also racing for the first time is AlphaTauri driver Gasly.

With AlphaTauri and Racing Point fielding real-world drivers, Haas now remain the only Formula 1 team not to field either of their 2020 drivers.

The Virtual Monaco Grand Prix set a record for the number of real-world drivers competing with eight drivers participating, a record that has been equalled this time around - Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Ocon dropping out, while Nicholas Latifi, George Russell, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon and Antonio Giovinazzi all return for more.

Before you go...

Hamilton contract talks to begin when racing resumes

Hamilton's father says now is not the time for F1 to return

Related

Ayumu Iwasa

Who is Ayumu Iwasa? The Red Bull junior replacing Daniel Ricciardo at F1 Japanese GP

• March 27, 2024 15:58

F1 News & Gossip

Ricciardo fired F1 WARNING by rival with RB future on line

• March 20, 2024 11:57