Esports events bring in sizeable global audience.
The F1 Esports – Virtual Grand Prix Series pulled in a total of 30 million views across TV and digital platforms during the lockdown period.
The Virtual Grand Prix races attracted 21.8 million views on digital platforms alone.
It was streamed on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch and Facebook channels as well as Weibo and Huya channels in China.
An additional five million views came in through TV viewers, via broadcast partners in 100+ countries.
Another 2.7 million viewers came from the personal Twitch accounts of F1 drivers.
On the back of the success of the Virtual Grand Prix series, the official F1 2019 video game also saw a 1,000% month-on-month growth of streaming hours.
The series of eight Virtual Grands Prix, Pro Exhibition races and #Challenge events saw F1 drivers battle it out in an esports environment, when real-life racing was not possible.
More than half the F1 grid took to the track, with 11 drivers competing in at least one race in the series.
Other stars, including a Ryder Cup winner, professional footballers, and musicians also took part.
The #Challenge events, which featured the likes of Lando Norris, George Russell, Nico Rosberg and David Coulthard achieved 1.9 million views across digital platforms.
Meanwhile, the Pro Exhibition races, with the Pro F1 Esports drivers, pulled in 2.5m+ digital views.
Julian Tan, head of digital business initiatives and esports said: “Now the series has come to an end, it gives us a chance to reflect on the huge success it’s been, which is reflected in the very impressive viewing figures and engagement stats. Our aim at the start of this journey was to provide live sporting action for those craving some racing relief, and now as we and the teams, whom we are extremely grateful to for their support and commitment throughout the series, turn our focus to the 2020 season and the F1 Esports Series, we can be proud that we were able to provide such entertainment to our fans, and beyond.”