Esports racing pro beats ex-Formula 1 driver on real-life track
Twitter: Lucas di Grassi/Twitter: Enzo BonitoAn esports racing driver claimed a shock victory over a former Formula 1 driver in a real-life track race in Mexico.
Enzo Bonito is a driver for Team Redline – one of the world’s biggest simulation racing teams – as well as Mclaren Shadow.
Bonito took on Formula E and ex-Formula 1 driver Lucas di Grassi on the track in Mexico at the Race of Champions event.
The Race of Champions event pits current and legendary drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and David Coulthard from the world of Formula 1 against up-and-coming talents from the world of simulation and esports racing.
The Italian gamer and sim racer claimed victory after beating the Brazilian pro driver by over half a second – winning with a final time of 52.3885. Di Grassi finished with a time of 53.0576.
Big upset! Sim racer @EnzoBonito17 takes the scalp of @LucasdiGrassi! #ROCMexico @McLarenShadow pic.twitter.com/MMa98Pd4lP
— #ROCMexico (@RaceOfChampions) January 19, 2019
The world of esports racing is ever-growing, and while it may not reach the heights of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends of the Overwatch League anytime soon, interest continues to grow.
Back in December, German car manufacturer Porsche linked up with iRacing to launch a new league – the Porsche iRacing World Championship Series. 40 competitors from around the world will race over 10 different weekends across 2019 for a shot at a $100,000 prize pool.