[James]

Lando Norris, Nicholas Latifi And More Line Up For Bahrain Virtual Grand Prix!

March 22, 2020

Formula 1’s first ever Virtual Grand Prix event brings together stars from all walks of life. Formula 1 drivers, olympic medallists, and even international music stars are locked in for what’s set to be a thrilling spectacle. F1 drivers past, present and future will take centre stage, as well as legends from the world of sport and entertainment. Let’s take a look at the roster!

Mercedes reserve driver pairing and former F1 racers Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutierrez will be lining up in silver under the floodlights of Bahrain. Meanwhile Ferrari will be putting their faith in the new generation, as Ferrari Driver Academy members Robert Shwartzman and Dino Beganovic step up.

Red Bull’s hopes will be pinned with seven-time Olympic gold-medallist Sir Chris Hoy, and Red Bull athlete and professional racing driver, Phillipp Eng. Full-time Streamer and part-time F1 driver Lando Norris is on the books for McLaren, alongside Nicholas Hamilton, professional racer and brother of six-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton.

Renault have two very different types of driver at hand, with Formula 2 ace Guanyu Zhou complementing golfing legend Ian Poulter in the yellow corner. Usually more attuned to two wheels, motorcycle racer Luca Salvadori will jump in the cockpit for AlphaTauri, alongside Esports caster and commentator Matt ‘Sadokist‘ Trivett.

Nico Hulkenberg makes his return to the grid with Racing Point alongside streamer Jimmy Broadbent, who will be hoping for no punterinos during the race. Three-time F1 race winner and Sky Sports F1 pundit Johnny Herbert lines up for Alfa Romeo, and his team mate will be Twitch legend Aamir ‘Cyanide‘ Thacker. Haas’ pairing of Sky Sports F1 analyst Anthony Davidson and Esports commentator Paul ‘Redeye‘ Chaloner will bring a dynamic mix of talent to the grid too.

Finally, in perhaps the most unexpected pairing ever, Williams will have 2020 driver Nicholas Latifi at their disposal, alongside singer-songwriter Liam Payne! The former One Direction star has enjoyed a hugely successful solo career in recent years – although teamwork will be key in ensuring Williams grab some points.

So there you have it! Our grid is set. Plenty of big names from all over the globe will do battle under the virtual floodlights in a 50% race. Medium traction control and anti-lock brakes will be optional to ensure all drivers have a fair chance to stay on the pace during the event.

Be sure to check out the #NotTheBahGP event first, which gets going at 18:00GMT on Twitch and YouTube.

Then our Bahrain Virtual Grand Prix gets going at 20:00GMT – available live on Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and select broadcast partners. Who do you think will take the W? Get involved on social media and let us know!

Watch a replay.

Youtube video

The start was chaos.