What Is 2017 Formula One Esports Series

Overview

The 2017 Formula One Esports Series marked the official launch of Formula 1's entry into competitive gaming, establishing a structured, global esports championship endorsed by the FIA. It represented a strategic move by Formula 1 to engage younger audiences and expand its digital footprint through virtual racing.

The inaugural season was a collaboration between Formula 1, Codemasters, and Gfinity, combining real-world motorsport prestige with esports infrastructure. It attracted widespread attention for its high production values, official branding, and integration with the actual F1 calendar.

• Launched in September 2017, the series was the first officially sanctioned F1 esports championship, setting a precedent for future seasons.
• The competition featured 40 professional sim racers selected through online qualifiers and invitational entries from around the world.
• It used the F1 2017 video game by Codemasters, which replicated real-world tracks, teams, and car physics for authentic simulation.
• Rounds were held in London, New York, and Abu Dhabi, with live studio broadcasts and professional commentary enhancing viewer experience.
• Brendon Leigh, representing the UK, won the championship after a final showdown in Abu Dhabi, earning a prize and recognition from F1 leadership.

How It Works

The 2017 Formula One Esports Series operated through a tiered competition format combining online qualifiers with live, in-person finals, ensuring both accessibility and elite-level competition.

• Qualification: Over 60,000 players entered online qualifiers; the top performers advanced to the global rounds. This ensured broad participation and talent discovery.
• Game Platform: The F1 2017 game on PlayStation 4 was used, with standardized settings to ensure fairness across all competitors.
• Driver Selection:40 drivers were chosen based on online performance, regional representation, and wildcard entries from esports organizations.
• Race Format: Each round included a time trial and a race, with points awarded based on finishing positions to determine overall standings.
• Live Events: Three live events were held in London, New York, and Abu Dhabi, featuring studio sets, real-time analytics, and professional broadcasting.
• Championship Scoring: Points accumulated across rounds, with the final event in Abu Dhabi determining the inaugural champion in a winner-takes-all format.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key elements between the 2017 Formula One Esports Series and traditional Formula 1 racing:

This table highlights how the esports series mirrored real-world F1 in structure while differing in scale, cost, and accessibility. It offered a lower barrier to entry while maintaining competitive integrity and global reach.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Formula One Esports Series was a landmark event that validated esports as a legitimate extension of traditional motorsport, with long-term implications for fan engagement and talent development.

• It established F1's official presence in esports, paving the way for annual series and greater investment in digital racing.
• The competition attracted millions of online viewers, demonstrating strong audience interest in virtual motorsport.
• It provided a global platform for sim racers, allowing talented gamers to gain recognition alongside professional drivers.
• Teams like Mercedes and Ferrari began exploring esports divisions, inspired by the series' success.
• The use of real F1 branding and circuits strengthened authenticity and fan connection.
• It opened pathways for new sponsorship and media rights models in the digital sports space.

The 2017 series laid the foundation for future growth, proving that virtual racing could coexist with and enhance the appeal of real-world Formula 1.