The 2018 F1 eSports Championship was announced today with participation from the official Formula 1 Teams except for Ferrari.

The online races will race in F1 2017 – the official game of the Formula 1 World Championship. The Pro Draft is where the official Formula 1 teams will get to chose one gamer that will represent the team in the second part of the season.

Gamers on each gaming platform (PS4, XBoxOne, and PC) will be able to take part in 4 qualifying events starting on April 13. At the end of the qualifiers and a wildcard round, the F1 teams will be have their choice of the top 40 drivers for the Pro Draft.

The teams that are taking part in the Pro Draft are: Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport, Red Bull Racing, Hype Energy eForce India, Williams F1 Esports Team, Renault Sport Team Vitality, Haas F1 Esports Team, McLaren, Toro Rosso and Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team.

“It has always been our goal to get the teams involved as soon as possible and we are delighted that they have recognised the potential of the F1 Esports Series at such an early stage,” said Julian Tan, Head of Digital Growth & F1 Esports at Formula 1.

“Last year’s series was a great success and demonstrated that there is a clear audience and interest in this innovative, exciting form of racing.

“We will continue to invest in the Esports Series as we feel it is a great way for us to interact and engage with a new audience.”