Russell wasn't expecting level of simracing: "Those guys put so much time into it"

Many Formula 1 drivers have taken up sim racing, now that for the time being it is not really possible to race. So did George Russell, who didn't expect the level of competition.

Now that the racing world has been temporarily put on break, there is almost more racing than usually. As a replacement for the real Grands Prix, several tournaments have been set up, which the Formula 1 drivers are happy to participe in.

George Russell has also taken a seat in the digital racing seat, with immediately a third place during his debut. In a Williams the driver will not win an F1-race any time soon, but with the virtual races it is possible. "That is also the goal. I want to win these races," says the Brit in conversation with Standard Sport.

More serious than expected

That was different at the beginning, according to the young driver. "I signed up for the Virtual Grand Prix for fun and to entertain the fans. I didn't take it very seriously, but I soon realised that the level is very high. These guys have put a lot of time into it, so I have to see how I can compete with them".

The virtual races just can't replace Russell's real sense of speed, he'll have to wait for the Formula 1 season to start again. "It's not very realistic when you compare it to a real racing car, where you're racing at 320 kilometres per hour. But it's all I have at the moment."