Verstappen biggest name to follow live in Imola virtual race

The severe weather in northern Italy earlier this week resulted in the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The race in Imola was supposed to be the first part of a triple-header, followed by races in Monaco and Spain. Despite the Grand Prix not taking place, world champion Max Verstappen, along with many fellow drivers, will still be in action this weekend at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

Team Redline, Verstappen's sim racing team, confirmed the return of Real Racers Never Quit, an initiative that was created during the COVID-19 crisis. This weekend, numerous drivers will be competing in the virtual race in Imola, which is expected to feature Formula 3 cars. Last weekend, Verstappen participated in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring on behalf of Team Redline, and now the Dutch driver is filling his newly available weekend once again.

Verstappen is not the only Dutch driver in the field: the participation of Formula 2 driver Richard Verschoor has also been confirmed. Verschoor will compete against many of his rivals on Sunday, as he is not the only Formula 2 driver showcasing his skills virtually. The initiative is made possible in part by Red Bull, and as a result, various Red Bull junior drivers have been invited, including Jak Crawford, Isack Hadjar, Ayumu Iwasa and Enzo Fittipaldi.

Formula 1 colleagues absent

None of Verstappen's nineteen Formula 1 colleagues will attempt to challenge the Dutch driver on Sunday, although reserve drivers Felipe Drugovich and Jack Doohan will be present. Other notable names include former Formula E world champion António Félix da Costa, Oliver Rowland, Shane van Gisbergen, and Formula 3 talent Gabriel Bortoleto. The race will start half an hour later than the originally planned Grand Prix start time. Race lights will switch off at 15:30, and the race can be watched live on Team Redline's Twitch channel.