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

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Why F1 legend Lewis Hamilton changed the name on his passport: 'I don't really believe in that'

• 19 minutes ago

Sebastian Vettel issues emotional Michael Schumacher statement

• 1 hour ago

Lewis Hamilton 'too late' Ferrari verdict just put his boss firmly on the hotseat

• 2 hours ago

FIA boss claims 'business as usual' but Abu Dhabi cancellation fears continue to grow

• 3 hours ago

Netflix just dropped new Michael Schumacher trailer and it looks incredible

• Today 15:27

F1 legend issues brutally honest George Russell verdict: 'It's embarrassing'

• Today 13:55