LONDON: Formula 1 inducted Germany’s Fanatec, a professional simulator hardware brand, as the official sponsor of the F1 eSports Series and official supplier of its gaming racing steering wheels and pedals.
The agreement began at the recent Austrian Grand Prix and will end in late 2022. Fanatec is a brand belonging to the company, Endor AG. It will join DHL as the official sponsor of the Esports series, starting on July 9.
From the next season, Fanatec will also supply cockpits and seats for the simulators used in the F1 Esports Series.
“If there’s one sport where simulators really give fans a taste of the real thing, then it’s Formula 1,” Adam Crothers, head of Digital New Business at Formula 1 said of the deal.
“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.”
Thomas Jackermeier, CEO of Endor AG, commented on the same.
“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.”
