London-based esports operator Gfinity has renewed its sim racing partnership with Formula One (F1). The multi-year agreement was described as “the largest contract in Gfinity’s history,” and includes delivery of the main elements of the F1 Esports Series in 2020 and 2021, plus the qualifying events in 2022. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The F1 Esports Series features drivers from all 10 constructors. Under the terms of the contract, Gfinity is responsible for delivering all elements of the program, including all rules and governance, and its own “Race Control” proprietary in-race adjudication system. The competition is organized with both F1 and Codemasters, the publisher of the official F1 2020 racing game. The competition is held and broadcast from the Gfinity Arena in London.
This year’s F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series has been extended to June. Due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the competition will replace each live F1 Grand Prix event that has been postponed.
F1 is one of several traditional sports brands active in esports through Gfinity. The company recently partnered with UK pay-TV broadcaster BT Sport and Electronic Arts to launch a new FIFA 20 series on the network’s main linear channel, which follows the inaugural ePremier League season in 2019.
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