Only two F1 drivers for first Virtual Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring

When it was announced last season that the first Grands Prix would not take place due to the coronavirus, several drivers chose to entertain themselves while racing online. This gave rise to the idea of creating a virtual racing series, the Virtual Grand Prix. This season, the virtual races return, but this time for charity.

This season's race format is different from previous years. This year there will be two races, a Sprint race and a Feature race. The grid for the Feature race will be determined by the result of the Sprint race. The teams will also have to field four drivers to participate in the race. 

Two races with different drivers

In the Sprint race only F1 Esports Pro Series drivers participate. In five laps, the starting grid for the Feature race is determined. Drivers to look out for include reigning World Champion Jarno Opmeer and former World Champions David Tonizza and Brendon Leigh, both driving for Ferrari.

The Feature race will feature mostly world-famous personalities. Some F1 drivers, some ex F1 drivers and also some drivers who are currently in a training programme of one of the teams. Other teams have gone for entertainment and have chosen their drivers accordingly. 

Dutchman at Red Bull

Mercedes will field Stoffel Vandoorne and Anthony Davidson, both former F1 drivers. Red Bull Racing will field reserve rider Alexander Albon and Dutch motocross rider Jeffrey Herlings. Ferrari will enter with two juniors in the form of Marcus Armstrong and Arthur Leclerc. Alpine's line-up also includes two juniors, Christian Lundgaard and Oscar Piastri. 

Other teams have chosen for entertainment with their lineup. McLaren, for example, will be driving with Jimmy Broadbent and Ben 'Tiametmarduk' Daly, both known through platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. Alfa Romeo will also drive with an online star, namely Jack 'Pie Face' McDermott. He will ride alongside goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for the Italians. AlphaTauri has opted for an Italian lineup, with Vitantonio Liuzzi and Luca Salvadori. 

Only Williams with 2021 line-up

Remarkably, only nine teams will be on the grid tonight, when the lights go out at 19:00. Aston Martin has chosen to skip the virtual events. Whether they return for the races at Silverstone and Interlagos is unknown, but they will not be present at the first Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.

Only Williams has chosen to join the virtual Grands Prix with their 2021 line-up. George Russell and Nicholas Latifi will drive for the British team, making them the only drivers on the grid next year. Neither Lando Norris nor Charles Leclerc will be competing this week, although there will be another chance next week when they drive at Silverstone.

Full line-up for the Virtual Austrian Grand Prix:

Mercedes: Stoffel Vandoorne and Anthony Davidson
Red Bull Racing: Alexander Albon and Jeffrey Herlings
McLaren: Jimmy Broadbent and Ben 'Tiametmarduk' Daly
Alpine: Christian Lundgaard and Oscar Piastri
Ferrari: Marcus Armstrong and Arthur Leclerc
AlphaTauri: Vitantonio Liuzzi and Luca Salvadori
Alfa Romeo: Thibaut Courtois and Jack 'Pie Face' McDermott
Haas: Pietro Fittipaldi and Enzo Fittipaldi
Williams: George Russell and Nicholas Latifi