No new F1 driver sign-ups for Virtual Grand Prix

The third round of the Virtual Grand Prix series, hosted by Formula 1, has failed to attract any further interest from the Formula 1 drivers themselves.

OnlyLando Norrisand Nicholas Latifi were present from the class of Formula 2020 for the first round, but another four drivers – Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Alex Albon and Antonio Giovinazzi – joined their respective teams for the second round in Australia.Leclerc secured a dominant win.

Formula 1 and the official Formula 1 game developers, Codemasters, had been hoping to see more Formula 1 drivers sign up but, for this Sunday’s third round in China, the tally still remains at six.

Alex Albon was joined by England cricket star Ben Stokes for the second round, but his new team-mate at the Shanghai International Circuit will be Real Madrid and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Racing Point did announce plans for both Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll to join up, but so far those plans have not materialised.

AlphaTauri duo, Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat, will not be taking part at all.

The same can be said for Max Verstappen, who, it is fair to say, is not the biggest fan of the game.We’re sure he will be on the phone to Lando at some point though.

The Virtual Chinese Grand Prix takes place a little earlier than usual on Sunday, getting underway at 6pm BST. The race will be streamed live on Sky Sports and is free to watch via YouTube or via one of the participating drivers’ Twitch streams.

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