Well, from me today it will be a bit of a Formula lock-up in first and third place, though that’s enough about F1 2020 coming in a couple of weeks (we hope). A lot of Formula racing has become the highest-paid driving you can do in your underpants. it is a weird world we’re having in during these COVID-19 lockdowns when sports become esports. Though it is nonetheless fun to watch the world’s best drivers in the likes of F1 2019 going around like it is Grand Theft Monaco.

Today, we are talking about the open-wheel racers that sound like an angry tin of bees, filled with ex-F1 racers swinging their arms. Formula E isn’t just a retirement home for F1 racers. It is a fantastic collection of drivers fighting like it is closing time at the Lamb & Flag with Eddie Hitler having a punch up with Richard Richard. There are pieces of carbon fiber crunching, cracking, and snapping all over the tight street races that make almost every race an interesting one. If you care less about the fights with arms out, you’re probably not interested in this crazy little series of all electric racing.

For now, while the actual series can’t travel the world to race weekly, many of the actual drivers and some simulation drivers are joining in on the virtual fun in the rFactor 2 racing sim. This past weekend, Formula E and guests were driving around a virtual decommissioned Berlin Airport of Templehof. Getting the circuit on Friday to practice for the race on Saturday, some were having trouble getting around the tight 1.4-mile purpose build track. Some admitted to trouble while others didn’t bother racing, though they pretended they were still in the race.

https://youtu.be/ra0ZwHI0kOY

Established German Formula E driver Daniel Abt did officially join the race on Saturday, though throughout qualifying and the race, Abt would not be seen. Like many others, Abt would have a camera placed on him as he raced, with the usual mic to talk strategy. However, while there was a camera on the drivers in a 20-strong Zoom group, equipment would be placed in front of the driver’s face. Abt had hired what is called a “Ringer” in horse racing, otherwise known as an imposter hired to play the role of the official driver or jockey. Abt had hired pro esport driver Lorenz Hoerzing to play the role of Abt in his own virtual Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler team.

Abt, the 27-year-old driver, has since been suspended by his team and will not take part in any further virtual Formula E races. Hoerzing, 18-years of age, has also been banned from the Race-at-Home series, in a quick decision by the ruling authorities. Abt admitted guilt of hiring Hoerzing, “I would like to apologize to Formula E, all of the fans, my team, and my fellow drivers for having called in outside help during the race on Saturday,” making his apologies after the fact. Abt continued to say, “I did not take it as seriously as I should have. I am aware that my offense has a bitter aftertaste, but it was never meant with any bad intention.”

While I could understand not taking esports seriously, the point is not that it is taken seriously, it is a question of sportsmanship with your fellow drivers in a charity event. Some drivers have said it was funny, both that he’s been caught and that he did it in the first place. Others have since stated their displeasure, as according to The Race one driver that remains nameless stated, “I think it’s very sad, because we are doing this to provide a good show to the fans, to represent our sponsors and most importantly for a good cause with UNICEF.” I somewhat agree with both, as it is to provide a show, but there is enough leeway to have fun with the virtual races.

Abt released a statement in German (with English subtitles), stating that as a result of the game making races less professional he didn’t take it seriously. Abt also states he was advised to donate 10,000 Euro as a result of his actions at the weekend.

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