The prize pool of the series was increased to $750,000, team line-ups will be revealed on August 27.
The 2020 season of the F1 Esports Pro Series has been announced on August 13. In the official esports league of Formula 1, twenty drivers representing the official F1 teams race for an increased prize pot of $750,000. Before the season gets underway, teams drafted in new drivers, who will be revealed soon.
On August 13, the F1 Pro Draft took place online, in which each of the ten teams must choose at least one driver to join their team. The pool of drivers had been determined via a series of online qualifying events in which more than 237,000 drivers took part.
HOW DOES THE F1 PRO DRAFT WORK?
However, the draft itself was held behind closed doors. In the “Pro Draft Reveal Show” on Thursday, August 27, each team will reveal their three drivers for the upcoming season.
In previous seasons, knockout qualification races were held as a part of the Pro Draft to tighten the pool of possible picks. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this step was abandoned this year.
2020 season is larger and remote
Another change due to the pandemic is that the 2020 season will be held completely remotely. The drivers will race from their homes or factories or their team headquarters.
The season will take place from October to December 2020 in four events. Each event will consist of three races, creating a 12-race championship. The calendar also includes the new tracks Zandvoort and Hanoi.
The 2020 F1 Esports Series is almost here!
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 13, 2020
🗓️ Pro Draft Reveal >> AUG 27
🗓️ Pro Series racing >> OCT-DEC
Will we be crowning a new champion this season? 👑#F1Esports #F1 pic.twitter.com/EDM6wtwIAZ
The length of each race will be increased from 25% to 35% original race distance. There will now be a full qualifying session before each race.
Fans will be able to watch eight live broadcasts from the Gfinity Arena, which take place on Wednesday and Thursday of each event week. The broadcasts will feature the races and for the first time, qualifying sessions will also be shown live.
The F1 Esports Pro Series will be broadcasted on F1’s social channels as well as selected TV broadcasters.
Be in the official #Formula1 game as a playable character is a huge honor and privilege for me. I hope you’ll enjoy playing with it! 😁 pic.twitter.com/iCmIY90ITp
— David Tonizza (@David_Tonizza) July 6, 2020
The previous season was won by David Tonizza representing FDA Hublot Esports Team in both his and the team’s maiden season. The constructor’s championship was won by Red Bull Racing Esports.
