Athletes take their hobby and training strategies seriously, including creating content on specialized platforms.
Formula 1 drivers, of course, need to demonstrate exceptional skills on the track, facing challenges and fierce competition. But what many people don’t know is that some people also take this spirit of competition to electronic games. Proof of this are these four drivers who turned out to be great games, breaking down a stereotype that was built about players.
The truth is that, for those who enjoy electronic games, this goes beyond entertainment. It is, above all, a complex activity that even improves skills. More than a simple escape from the daily routine, games create a sense of community and purpose.
As this universe gains popularity, the image of hardcore gamers, often seen as players who dedicate hours on end, oblivious to time, is falling apart. After all, the caricature of the lonely gamer disconnected from the real world doesn’t do justice to the vast array of interests and people that make up the video gaming community.
Just look at the reality of F1 drivers who also dedicate themselves to virtual games, according to a survey released by ExpressVPN. Known for intense training and fierce dedication, the athletes show that it is entirely possible to reconcile both worlds.
The relationship between Formula 1 and e-Sports
First of all, it is worth highlighting that the universe of Formula 1 and e-games goes far beyond athletes who are great gamers. Since 2017, when it launched its experimental season, drivers from all over the world have been able to compete in the Formula 1 Pro Series of eSports.
Open to racing enthusiasts and gamers from around the world, the competition features 10 official teams. Thus, it offers the unique chance to compete in the prestigious Pro Championship events. You don’t need to be a professional, but you do need to have an Xbox Live Gold or PSN subscription and a suitable internet connection, as well as a copy of the official F1™ 2023 video game and an online registration.
In Formula 2, the proximity is even greater. Just to illustrate, in 2022, 24-year-old Turkish driver Cem Bolukbasi made the direct transition from games to real tracks. Competing for Charouz, Bolukbasi had experience in online Formula 1 leagues and was therefore familiar with single-seater driving techniques.
Furthermore, Bolukbasi reported, at the time, that competing on known tracks in online tournaments was an advantage, showing the reality of simulators. His transition to e-sports came after discovering the high costs of competing abroad, leading him to abandon karting and dedicate himself to e-sports championships.
Pilots also use games to train
Everyone knows that among the skills of a good Formula 1 driver are reflexes. And, there is no way to keep them up to date without continually training them, even between seasons. Well, athletes discovered a way to do this in e-games!
During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, seasons were suspended. While waiting to return to the tracks, drivers Nicholas Latifi (from Williams) and Lando Norris (from McLaren) even took part in a virtual competition in the F1 2019 game. Just to illustrate, the race had more than 150 thousand spectators, with official promotion from Formula 1.
Formula 1 drivers who are real gamers
But, for some athletes, the passion for e-games goes beyond training. On the contrary, they maintain profiles on platforms such as Twitch, in addition to broadcasting their content and virtual competitions. Check out the list released by ExpressVPN:
Lando Norris
A clear example is the McLaren driver. The Briton, who was Formula MSA champion in 2015, is also doing well in e-sports. Just to illustrate, he has more than 1.6 million followers on the Twitch platform, thanks to frequent broadcasts during the Covid-19 social isolation period. From there, he set up Quadrant, an e-sports and content production group.
Therefore, it explores important niches within virtual games, consolidating its brand through digital entertainment, media creation, fashion and motorsport.
George Russell
Another Brit who reflects his passion for motorsport in virtual games is Mercedes driver George Russell. The athlete stood out in the 2020 Virtual Formula 1 Grand Prix, winning on circuits such as Spain, Monaco, Azerbaijan and Canada. In other words, he established himself as a winner of the Virtual GP, in addition to also building his reputation in the e-sports scene.
In the same way that Norris, the pilot, started a hobby during the pandemic. But, he took it seriously and expanded his interest in high-end racing simulation.
Charles Leclerc
Currently competing for Ferrari, the driver is not only known for his prowess on the track, but also for his expertise in electronic games. Like their F1 counterparts, fascination with racing simulation games grew during the pandemic. With the suspension and postponement of real racing, he joined Norris, Russell and Alex Albon to form F1’s “Twitch Quartet”.
The athletes then began to share their matches with enthusiasts. The initiative has brought Leclerc almost a million followers, to whom he displays his gaming skills. But the enthusiasm doesn’t stop there! The driver also invests in cutting-edge gaming devices, for example, a Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel, ClubSport pedals and Samsung ultra-wide monitors.
Finally, the driver still participates in F1 e-sports circuits, including in the F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix series alongside other current and veteran drivers.
Max Verstappen
The Dutch-Belgian, three-time Formula 1 world champion, now competes for Red Bull Racing, and has also made a name for himself in the world of e-games. Above all, the virtual FIFA game (now EA Sports FC). In fact, the dedication he applies to the tracks is the same as in games. In 2018, for example, he reached 31st position globally in FIFA Ultimate Team, demonstrating skill in balancing a successful career in F1.
The following year, he reached 21st position in the world, in other words, he showed that his competitiveness and improvement goes beyond pit stops. At the 2021 US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Verstappen dedicated around 14 hours of the weekend to FIFA.
And remember how athletes trained during isolation to not lose their reflexes? Well, Max’s involvement with the game didn’t even remotely affect his performance on the tracks. On the contrary, in the same race in Texas, the driver overtook fellow champion Lewis Hamilton. A reality game enthusiast, the champion has other favorites in virtual games, such as Call of Duty.
So, are you passionate about F1 and also have a soft spot for the e-games featured on the ExpressVPN list?
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