Mercedes and Aston Martin absent from British Virtual GP

F1 drivers racing each other online in front of a large audience, it is one of the few positive developments from last year's struggles and so the official channels of Formula 1 have decided to continue with it this year. This Sunday, the second Virtual Grand Prix of 2021 is set to take place.

Last week the first edition was won by Enzo Fittipaldi, grandson of racing legend Emerson. He did so for the Haas team, for whom his brother Pietro drove a few real Grands Prix last season. The brothers will also drive together for the Haas team in the Virtual British Grand Prix.

Other teams fielding drivers we normally see on TV this weekend include Red Bull Racing with Alexander Albon and Liam Lawson, Ferrari with Robert Shwartzman and Callum Ilott and Williams with George Russell and Nicholas Latifi.

The big absentees are Mercedes and Aston Martin. They are the only two teams that have not bothered to call up a few drivers for this virtual event. Not even one of their sim drivers, like Dutchman Bono Huis. The virtual Grand Prix starts Sunday evening at 19:00 and can be followed on the Youtube channel of Formula 1.