Gfinity returns with F1 eSports series
April 5, 2018
By Colin Mann
eSports specialist Gfinity is continuing its relationship with Formula 1 as the premier motor sport category gears up to start season two of its F1 eSports series.
As part of the arrangement, Gfinity will manage tournament operations for the live events including the adjudication framework which supports all competitive gameplay and broadcast all the live events.
The second season will see Mercedes AMG, Petronas Motorsport, Red Bull Racing, Force India F1 Team, Williams, Renault Sport F1 Team, Haas F1 Team, McLaren, Toro Rosso and Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team set up their own esports teams to compete in the F1 esports series 2018. Ferrari has yet to commit to the series.
The competition is open to everyone on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC platforms and will launch with four in-game online events. The fastest ten players on each gaming platform will race off in a live-streamed event with the top three on each platform qualifying for the first ever pro draft and the chance to be signed by one of nine teams.
The official esports drivers will then represent their teams in the second half of the season as they race in three live events that will determine the 2018 F1 eSports series teams’ and drivers’ world champions with a prize fund of at least $200,000 (€162,824).
“We are excited to continue to work with Formula 1 as the events partner” declared Neville Upton, Gfinity chief executive. “F1 and Codemasters maximised the true potential last year by fully integrating the F1 eSports Series into the final Grand Prix weekend in Abu Dhabi through both their linear TV partners and streaming platforms and we look forward to building on that success in season two with more events and broadcast opportunities.”
“It has always been our goal to get the teams involved as soon as possible and we are delighted that they have recognised the potential of the F1 eSports Series at such an early stage,” added Julian Tan, head of digital growth & F1 eSports at Formula 1. “Last year’s series was a great success and demonstrated that there is a clear audience and interest in this innovative, exciting form of racing. We will continue to invest in the eSports Series as we feel it is a great way for us to interact and engage with a new audience.”