The 2025 F1 Sim Racing World Championship started with a bang as Williams Esports’ Ismael Fahssi pulled off an incredible last-lap win.
Nobody expected such an intense finish to the first F1 sim race of 2025. Yet there we were, watching Ismael Fahssi of Williams Esports make racing history with seconds to spare.
The story started promisingly for Fahssi, who lined up first on the grid at Albert Park. But racing is never simple, especially in the virtual world. Other drivers kept him on his toes throughout all 29 laps of the digital Melbourne track.
What makes this win special? Just when everyone thought the finishing order was set, Fahssi pulled off what many are calling the move of the day. On the very last lap, he found just enough space to squeeze past Mercedes driver Dani Bereznay.
The Mercedes team had more surprises in store. Istvan Puki saw his chance and jumped past his teammate Bereznay too, turning what could have been a Mercedes 1-2 into a reshuffled podium.
Behind the top three, Jarno Opmeer kept his Red Bull in fourth place. Otis Lawrence brought his Aston Martin home in fifth, while Thomas Ronhaar secured sixth for KICK F1.
Race Schedule
China – Wednesday, January 15
Shanghai International Circuit.
- Qualifying: 12:15 CEST / 11:15 MTC
- Race: 15:15 CEST / 14:15 MTC
Bahrain – Wednesday, January 15
Bahrain International Circuit.
- Qualifying: 18:15 CEST / 17:15 MTC
- Race: 21:15 CEST / 20:15 MTC
Saudi Arabia – Thursday, January 16
- Qualifying: 18:15 CEST / 17:15 MTC
- Race: 21:30 CEST / 20:30 MTC
Where to Watch
Don’t miss any of the action! You can catch all races live on:
- F1 Official YouTube Channel
- F1 Official Twitch Channel
- F1 Official Facebook Channel