Formula 1 Launches 2026 Sim Racing World Championship at DreamHack Birmingham

Formula 1® has announced the return of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship for 2026.

The season will kick off with a launch at DreamHack Birmingham from 27–29 March, marking the first time the world-renowned esports festival has been held in the United Kingdom.

The 2026 campaign features a significant structural evolution, with the championship moving to a bespoke, multi-purpose studio facility at Formula 1’s Media and Technology Centre in Biggin Hill for the final three events.

This multi-million-pound investment provides a permanent, state-of-the-art home for the series, placing sim racing at the physical heart of F1’s technical operations.

CEO of ESL FACEIT Group, Niccolo Maisto, described the partnership as a “massive collision of worlds,” bringing the prestige of F1 to the raw energy of the UK gaming community.

A $750,000 Battle Across 12 Rounds

The championship will see nine official F1 teams—including Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren—fielding elite three-driver esports rosters.

• The Format: Over 12 rounds, the grid will compete in full qualifying sessions and 50% distance races.
• The Stakes: Drivers and teams are chasing a share of a massive $750,000 prize pool.
• The Teams: Alpine, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Haas, McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Bulls, Red Bull, and Williams.

“The return of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship in 2026 marks an exciting chapter,” said Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1. “Our investment in a purpose-built facility reinforces our long-term commitment and provides a permanent home for the championship’s future growth.”

DreamHack Birmingham: The Ultimate Fanzone

The season opener at the NEC in Birmingham is expected to attract over 50,000 fans. The event will feature a dedicated F1 Sim Racing Fanzone, allowing attendees to engage directly with simulators and meet the drivers from the sim racing paddock.

Global Broadcast Strategy

Fans worldwide can follow the action live across Formula 1’s official YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch channels.

The 2026 season aims to build on record-breaking digital engagement figures from previous years, further solidifying sim racing as a critical pillar of the F1 commercial ecosystem.

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