Virtual Vettel Race Debut Not As Smooth As Leclerc

JAKARTA - The Formula 1 season is still on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a number of riders are involved in virtual racing events or e-sports to fill the void.

Most recently, Ferrari team driver Sebastian Vettel took part in the virtual racing event for the first time on Saturday. He joined the Legends Trophy which was held by The Race and Torque Esports.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion arrived at the last minute to break into the Legends Trophy grid, competing with other racing legends such as Jenson Button, Juan Pablo Montoya and Emerson Fittipaldi.

Launching the-race.com official page, Sunday, May 2, Vettel was not too impressive in his first race. He was only able to finish in 15th place.

With the rFactor 2 racing simulator, riders used a Brabham BT44B car to compete in two races consisting of eight rounds each on the virtual circuit of Sepang, Malaysia, that day.

After finishing P15 in the first race, with a reverse grid system, Vettel started the second race from P7 and had a chance to move forward after a number of riders crashed in the first corner of the opening lap.

Despite a slip down the field from a spin, Vettel is back on it and chasing down @janmagnussen! The Race All-Star Series - powered by @ ROKiTPhonesUK💻 Watch now at: https://t.co/WdVqh7S2NG, https://t.co/HRUYi2t3gn and on @ESPN 2 # LegendsTrophy pic.twitter.com/rDX2aXU4eU

- The Race (wearetherace) May 2, 2020

Vettel, who wore a red livery like the Ferrari Niki Lauda car, made a mistake in the last two corners until he was thrown back again and ended the second race at P12.

Vettel's debut in the world of virtual racing was not as smooth as his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.

Leclerc is slowly emerging as an e-Sports star after winning two F1 virtual grands prix a few weeks ago and now the racer is quite active driving behind the wheel of a simulator from his home in Monaco.