The importance of SimRacing for Formula 1 drivers. SimRacing is changing the world of real racing. Even F1 drivers use simulators to train..

SimRacing, or virtual motorsport, allows everyone to hit the track—albeit virtually—making the racing world somewhat more accessible. There are many high-level competitions, including the Italian ACI championships, which give visibility to many talented drivers who might otherwise go unnoticed. F1 drivers often train with their simulators for real races or simply for fun.

Max Verstappen believes in the opportunities SimRacing offers young drivers
The driver who considers SimRacing a true career more than anyone else is four-time world champion Max Verstappen. For Max Verstappen, it is not just a game, and he is often found competing in online races on iRacing, one of the leading gaming platforms. He is also part of a virtual team called RedLine, with which he competes in high-level Esports races. Not long ago, during the Hungarian GP weekend last season, Max Verstappen took part in the virtual 24 Hours of Spa, completing a stint from midnight to 3 AM. His real F1 race did not go well, finishing only in fifth place, leading Helmut Marko to ban him from participating in other races during F1 race weekends.

The story of SimRacer Jann Mardenborough
Jann Mardenborough’s story, also told in the film Gran Turismo, is exceptional: by playing Gran Turismo, he qualified for the GT Academy created by Nissan to recruit new drivers. After several challenges, he won the competition. Nissan then offered him a contract as a real driver, and he competed in various GT championships. He also took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing third on the podium. On March 28, 2015, he was involved in a serious accident at the Nordschleife, but after recovering, he returned to racing in Super GT and Super Formula. He currently participates in some GT races, including the 24 Hours of Spa, where he finished third in the Pro-AM category.

F1 SimRacing enables direct contact between real teams and virtual drivers
Since 2017, F1 has organized a SimRacing championship using its official video game. Through a series of qualification rounds, anyone can attempt to join the championship. Official F1 teams must field three drivers in these competitions to compete for the world title. Thanks to the F1 SimRacing events broadcast directly on F1’s social media channels, virtual drivers can gain significant visibility, and their direct contact with official teams provides them with great exposure to the real motorsport world.