The Formula 1 championship and sim racing goes hand in hand, racers like Max Verstappen and Alex Albon’s passion for sim racing is an obsession.
If you thought that sim racing was just a video game, think again, F1 champion Max Verstappen and driver Alex Albon’s obsession for sim racing goes far deeper than you think.
Like many other sports, the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago led to significant adjustments for the Formula 1 season. Originally scheduled to commence in March, the organizers postponed the season’s start until July. In the interim, many drivers turned to sim racing as a means of staying sharp and refining their skills. Among them was Alexander Albon, an English-born Thai driver who became an ardent supporter of sim racing during the pandemic. This enthusiasm for virtual racing translated into a standout performance during the 2020 season, which remains the apex of his professional career.
Alex Albon’s Influence on Thailand’s New Obsession
As a member of Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda, Albon made his Formula 1 debut in 2019 before switching to Aston Martin Red Bull Racing midway through the season. Now 27 years old, Albon has become a pivotal figure in expanding the popularity of F1 in Thailand. Formula 1 is gradually becoming a new obsession for the country’s sports fans. This trend is also reflected in the rising number of wagers being placed by Thai bettors at sportsbooks at ThaiBets365.com, with F1 betting ranking among the top choices over the past few years. While martial arts like Muay Thai still reign supreme in Thailand, Formula 1 is gradually becoming a new obsession for the country’s sports fans.
In his debut Formula 1 season, Albon secured 92 points and finished in 8th place in the Drivers’ Championship, a commendable feat for a rookie. However, he truly elevated his game in the following season, potentially due to his extensive sim racing training during the pandemic. Albon’s exceptional performance in 2020 included two podium finishes at the Tuscan Grand Prix and Bahrain GP, marking the pinnacle of his professional career and the best results achieved by a Thai driver in F1. Not surprisingly, Albon’s success has sparked a newfound passion for motorsports in Thailand. On the other hand, Albon’s Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen’s love for video games has also influenced his countrymen to follow suit. As the brand ambassador of EA Sports, Verstappen’s impact on the world of gaming has been far-reaching.
Max Verstappen: Poster Boy for eSports
Max Verstappen, the back-to-back F1 champion, has been chosen as the brand ambassador for the 2023 edition of EA Sports’ racing sim game. As part of the deal, the Dutch driver will appear in promotional videos and wear the company’s logo on his helmet during the 2023 Formula 1 season. Verstappen’s passion for gaming, particularly sim racing, has made him a natural fit for the role. He has participated in multiple sim racing competitions, often streaming his performances on Twitch. Alongside racing games, Verstappen has also expressed his fondness for FIFA and other video game titles. Given his love for gaming, it’s no surprise that EA Sports has selected him to represent their brand.
Brand-New Formula 1 Sim Game to Launch in Summer 2023
EA Sports and Codemasters have been working hard to develop the latest edition of the F1 sim game franchise, set to be released in the summer of 2023. Although the official release date has yet to be announced, a teaser video released by Codemasters has caused a buzz among fans on social media, with many speculating that the game will be available in late June or early July. Tuesday is typically the day EA Sports premieres its F1 titles, so June 30th or July 7th are the most likely dates. Like its predecessor, F1 2023 is expected to be available on multiple operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation (PS4 and PS5), and Xbox (Series X and Series S).
Final Thoughts
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Formula 1 to make significant adjustments to its season, with many drivers turning to sim racing to stay sharp and refine their skills during the break. This was the case for Alexander Albon, who became a passionate supporter of virtual racing during the pandemic, translating his enthusiasm into a standout performance during the 2020 season. Albon’s success has played a significant role in expanding the popularity of F1 in Thailand, gradually becoming a new obsession for the country’s sports fans. On the other hand, Max Verstappen’s love for gaming, particularly sim racing, has made him a natural fit for his role as the brand ambassador for EA Sports’ racing sim game, set to be released in the summer of 2023. With the highly anticipated F1 2023 sim game set to launch soon, the future of the F1 franchise looks bright, and fans can look forward to enjoying the virtual thrill of racing alongside their favorite drivers.
