Formula 1 has extended its partnership with Fanatec, reinforcing its commitment to the growing esports ecosystem through the F1 Sim Racing World Championship.
Under the renewed agreement, Fanatec will continue as the official partner and supplier of professional-grade simulators for all teams during the 2026 season. The competition kicks off this week in Birmingham, before moving to the F1 technology hub in Biggin Hill for a 12-round calendar.
This year’s championship will feature a prize pool of approximately $750,000 (around €648,000), underlining the increasing commercial and competitive importance of sim racing within Formula 1’s broader strategy.
A key element of the partnership is fan engagement. Simulators will be installed in fan zones at every Grand Prix, allowing spectators to experience the sport interactively. The deal will also introduce a new generation of advanced steering wheels and limited-edition products for the global market.
According to F1 Chief Commercial Officer Emily Prazer, Fanatec has played a crucial role in raising the competitive standards of the sim racing ecosystem. Meanwhile, Thi La highlighted that the collaboration will continue to push the boundaries of competitive gaming.
The renewal reflects Formula 1’s long-term vision to bridge real-world motorsport with digital racing, expanding its audience and monetization opportunities through immersive and accessible platforms.