Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport is pleased to welcome Fanatec, world leader in professional simulator hardware, as the Official Sponsor of the F1 Esports Series, as well as the Official Supplier of gaming racing steering wheels and pedals. The agreement, which started at the Formula 1 Eyetime Grosser Preis Von Osterreich 2018, will run to the end of 2022.

All the simulators used in the Fanzone at Spielberg were fitted with the Fanatec steering wheels and pedals, produced by the German company Endor AG. This will also be the case for this season’s 12 remaining FIA Formula 1 World Championship Grands Prix.

Fanatec will also make its debut as Official Sponsor of the second edition of the F1 Esports Series on July 9, when the Pro Draft will be held in London, joining DHL as a sponsor of the championship.

From next year, the agreement with Fanatec will be extended to include the supply of cockpits and seats for the simulators used in the next F1 Esports Series.

“If there’s one sport where simulators really give fans a taste of the real thing, then it’s Formula 1," said Adam Crothers, Head of Digital New Business at Formula 1. "Therefore it is vital to offer our fans a driving experience that is as realistic as possible and so we need partners who are at the cutting edge of technology and world leaders in their field. Fanatec is a perfect fit with this premise.”

Speaking of the deal, Thomas Jackermeier, CEO of Endor AG, said: “We are thrilled that the most popular motorsport series in the world is heavily investing into esports and will bring sim racing to a new level. Among all esports categories, racing is the only one which actually allows gamers to become better drivers in real life and perhaps even start a motorsport career. The Fanatec racing wheels developed for F1 Esports combine outstanding realism as well as the performance you need to compete with the best sim racers in the world.”