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Is Vettel set to enter the Esports arena?

Published on 17 Apr 2020 14:35
3
By: Fergal Walsh

Sebastian Vettel could be set to take part in upcoming Esport events after he had a simulator rig delivered to his home.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic that has halted the start of the 2020 season, a number of online events have been organised to keep both the drivers and fans entertained.

So far, Charles Leclerc, Alexander Albon, Lando Norris, Antonio Giovinazzi, George Russell and Nicholas Latifi have taken part in the official F1 Virtual Grands Prix.

MORE: Vettel: High chance of new Ferrari deal before first 2020 race

But now Vettel could join up with his co-drivers on the virtual track after he got his hands on a home simulator set.

“The truth is I didn’t have a simulator until a couple of days ago, so I haven’t been tempted because I didn’t have the chance,” he said, as quoted by Formula1.com.

Vettel asserted that he still has to properly set up the simulator and get it functioning correctly.

“I have heard a lot of things about it, so I figured I should get one and try, but I still need to set it up properly. Generally, I am not going to foresee a career in sim racing - I think it is more something to try for fun.

“I’ve grown up with some of the stuff and I have been playing some games, but to be honest since I had kids it’s not the first thing on my list to do.

“But we’ll see how much time there will be. I’m aware that some people take it very seriously and spend a lot of time there, but I also enjoy doing other things so it will be a bit of a mix.”

The next Virtual Grand Prix will take place this Sunday at 6 PM BST around the Shanghai International Circuit in China.

Ferrari has confirmed Leclerc will compete for it at the event alongside its driver academy member and Formula 2 driver, Callum Ilott.

Leclerc enters the race on the back of his win in Albert Park two weeks ago, when he partnered his brother Arthur at Ferrari.

F1 News Sebastian Vettel Ferrari

Replies (3)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
I like F1, I like let's plays, I sometimes even like let's plays of F1 games, yet for some reason this doesn't really attract my attention, and I don't really know why.
- + 0
- Apr 18 2020 - 12:31
- ajpennypacker
  
  Posts: 2,475
  I would say it depends entirely on the game. I suspect that, like me, you find it annoying to see professional drivers playing arcade-like games. Very unrealistic and just kids games. That's usually what the F1 games are like. However, some Sim racing is much more realistic, with damage, tyre wear, etc. That's way more fun.
  
  That being said, I'd probably watch, at least highlights, of any game that has a bunch of F1 drivers competing
  + 0
  
  Apr 18 2020 - 18:59
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Well, I agree in part. I honestly really like the F1 games of late, especially 2019, and I don't mind seeing them played for a bit. But played in this way somehow seem to turn me off, I'd almost prefer them going with Mario Kart instead.
  + 0
  
  Apr 19 2020 - 14:34