Formula 1 has announced a multi-year renewal of its global licensing partnership with sim racing hardware brand Fanatec ahead of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship 2026.
Fanatec will also continue as an Official Sponsor and Hardware Partner of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship, supplying the professional-grade simulators used by all teams and drivers throughout the 2026 season.
Formula 1 said the extension reflects the growing crossover between elite motorsport and virtual racing, as sim racing continues to expand its role in the sport’s broader fan engagement strategy.
With Fanatec supporting the F1 Sim Racing World Championship and powering fan experiences at all our Grands Prix, we’re strengthening the connection between virtual and real-world racing and opening up even more opportunities for fans to engage with our sport.”
“Sim racing has become a vital part of the wider motorsport culture, and Formula 1 has been instrumental in that progression,” La said.
Mar 24, 2026 · via ticketnews.com
Formula 1 is expanding its esports footprint in 2026, announcing that the Formula 1 Sim Racing World Championship will begin with a live event at DreamHack Birmingham before shifting to a newly built facility at the sport’s Media and Technology Centre in Biggin Hill.
Organizers expect roughly 50,000 gaming fans to attend the three-day festival, which will feature the F1 Sim Racing World Championship alongside a dedicated fan zone with team activations, simulators, drivers and paddock access.
After the opening event in Birmingham, the remaining three events of the 2026 championship will move to Formula 1’s new multi-purpose studio facility at its Media and Technology Centre in Biggin Hill.
“The return of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship in 2026 marks an exciting chapter for the sport with a season-opening event at DreamHack – one of the biggest gaming festivals in the world,” Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer of Formula 1, said in a statement.
“By bringing the Formula 1 2026 Sim Racing Championship to DreamHack Birmingham 2026, we are merging the absolute pinnacle of motorsport with the raw, authentic energy of the UK gaming community,” Maisto said.
Mar 19, 2026 · via ticketnews.com