Formula 1 Esports: Complete Guide

Formula 1 esports is the digital extension of the world’s premier racing series. In this guide I draw on personal experience with the official EA Sports F1 games to explain what the scene looks like, how big it is, and which cars, players, and teams rule the grid. Whether you’re curious about getting involved or just want to follow the action, this guide will help you feel at home in the sim racing world.

What Is Formula 1 Esports?

Formula 1 esports is an officially sanctioned competitive scene built around EA Sports’ annual F1 games. The series launched in 2017 to bridge the gap between real racing and gaming by giving fans a chance to compete as virtual drivers for the same teams that appear on television. 

Official Formula 1 teams scout top performers from open qualifiers, draft them to pro rosters, and compete in a season of races that mirror the real calendar. Each pro event is broadcast live, complete with commentary and in‑studio analysts.

At its core, Formula 1 esports is a sim‑racing league with rigorous rules. Drivers race on equal‑performance cars, which means setups and skill decide the results rather than real‑world budgets. Qualification opens to anyone who owns the current F1 game and meets the age requirement, with online races whittling tens of thousands of hopefuls down to a handful of challengers. The best of those challengers get drafted by teams such as Red Bull Sim Racing, Ferrari HP Esports, and Mercedes‑AMG Petronas Esports.

Because the games mirror the sport so closely, joining Formula 1 esports is also a crash course in racing culture. You’ll need to learn strategy, tire management, fuel use, and how to adapt to weather changes. If you’re curious about other competitive titles, our article on the most popular esports games shows how racing fits into the wider scene.

How Many People Play Formula 1 Every Day?

The player base for Formula 1 esports is smaller than that of shooters or MOBAs but still impressively dedicated. During the first season in 2017, open qualifiers attracted around 60,000 entrants, and participation has remained in the tens of thousands every year since. On Steam alone, F1 24 averages around a thousand concurrent players, with peak numbers exceeding 2,000 around new content drops. When you add PlayStation and Xbox, the total daily player count is estimated between 20,000 and 50,000, depending on the time of year.

Viewership tells a similar story. Major races routinely attract hundreds of thousands of live viewers across Twitch, YouTube, and television. The pandemic‑era Virtual Grand Prix series even drew over 400,000 concurrent viewers for a single race. While the numbers aren’t at the level of League of Legends or Counter‑Strike, Formula 1 esports thrives on an engaged niche audience that values realism and strategy.

One reason the player base stays steady is the yearly release cycle. Each new F1 game brings updated cars, physics, and tracks, which encourages fans to keep practicing. With cross‑play now supported on most platforms, it’s easier than ever to find a race. 

For a broader look at sim racing gear, check out our guide to the best sim racing setup for tips on wheels, pedals, and cockpits.

Best Formula 1 Esports Cars

Picking the right car in Formula 1 esports makes a noticeable difference in handling and strategy. Although all cars are balanced for official races, casual lobbies and time trials still reflect the unique characteristics of each team’s design. Here are the standout cars and why elite drivers gravitate toward them:

These cars reflect real‑world designs but are adapted for the game. Pros tend to pick the Red Bull or Ferrari because those cars have the best balance of speed and stability, but every chassis is competitive in equal‑performance modes. Before racing seriously, test each car in time trial to see which one suits your driving style.

Best Formula 1 Esports Drivers

The talent in Formula 1 esports spans the globe. These drivers have honed their skills through thousands of practice laps and intense league races. Here are some of the top players as of 2025:

These players represent the pinnacle of virtual racing. What sets them apart is not just speed but also mental strength. They practice complex strategies, work closely with engineers, and handle pressure like their real‑world counterparts. Many of them stream their practice sessions, giving fans a chance to learn from the best.

Best Formula 1 Esports Teams/Orgs

Professional drivers race under the banners of real Formula 1 teams and a few dedicated esports outfits. Each organization brings its own approach to car setups, strategy, and driver development. Here is a look at the top squads:

Each of these teams operates like a miniature version of its real‑life counterpart, with engineers, data analysts, and driver coaches. The competition among them fuels innovation in car setups and race tactics.