Eight current Formula 1 drivers will participate at the upcoming Virtual Monaco Grand Prix, with Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and Renault’s Esteban Ocon joining the grid.
Formula 1 has organised half-distance equal-setting virtual races on its F1 2019 platform in place of grands prix that have been postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Renault junior Guan Yu Zhou took honours in Bahrain, before Charles Leclerc doubled up in Australia and China, while Alexander Albon and George Russell claimed victories in the most recent events.
The field of 20 will compete this weekend around the streets of Monte Carlo, with Bottas and Ocon entering the event for the first time.
Monegasque driver Leclerc will return for Ferrari, alongside younger brother Arthur, while Albon, Russell and fellow Formula 1 racers Lando Norris, Antonio Giovinazzi and Nicholas Latifi will all participate.
Among the celebrities participating will be Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, pro-surfer Kai Lenny and singer Luis Fonsi, whose Despacito record is the most-viewed YouTube video of all time.
The race, due to begin at 18:00 BST on Sunday, will be streamed on a variety of platforms – including YouTube and Twitch – and will last for 39 laps.
“The Virtual Grand Prix series has proven to be a fantastic live spectacle with over 20m viewers to date, providing fans with some racing entertainment during these challenging times,” said Formula 1’s Head of Esports Julian Tan.
“We are delighted to announce our strongest line-up of current F1 drivers alongside a star-studded list of global talent from the worlds of sport and entertainment, as we all stand together to put on great racing entertainment around the historic streets of Monaco, virtually.”
