Virtual Monaco Grand Prix: Aubameyang racing for McLaren, confirmed grid, how to watch, race format, F1 drivers & more

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Despite the lack of on-track action it has been a turbulent week in Formula 1 thanks to Sebastian Vettel departing Ferrari.

We also saw another superb virtual F1 event in Challenge Heineken, as Nico Rosberg edged out David Coulthard.

This weekend sees the return of the Virtual Grand Prix Series as F1 drivers, celebrities, and developing drivers take on the famous streets of Monaco.

Virtual Monaco GP

The fifth Virtual Grand Prix will take place at the Monaco circuit, famous for its narrow track, close barriers, and glamourous surroundings.

Monaco if F1 2019
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BEAUTIFUL: Monaco got a facelift in F1 2019

The previous races have been hotly contested, with the lead changing hands nearly every lap as Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, and George Russell have raced away at the front.

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Will the three young Formula 1 stars be back for the race? Or will we see new faces at the front of the grid as well as elsewhere?

McLaren confirm Norris & Aubameyang

McLaren surprised everyone with an early announcement that their driver pairing for Sunday will be their young F1 driver Lando Norris and Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang!

F1 drivers

As it is his home track, Leclerc will be hoping to return to the top step of the podium. He will be flanked by Albon and Russell, as well as Nicholas Latifi, Lando Norris, and Antonio Giovinazzi who have been constant fixtures in the last few Virtual GPs.

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There had been some speculation that Sebastian Vettel would be making his debut, but given his recent divorce from Ferrari it would be a surprise to see him racing.

f1 virtual gp leclerc china
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FRIENDLY BATTLE: Will it be another fight between F1 friends on Sunday?

There are two new F1 drivers joining the grid this weekend though.

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas and Renault's Esteban Ocon will be lining up for their first Virtual GP!

Celebrity racers

There has been a parade of famous names and faces from sport and culture looking to take part. Ben Stokes, Thibaut Courtois, Liam Payne, and Ian Poulter have all jumped in the hot seat over the last few weeks.

Courtois 2
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A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS: Both in goal and behind the wheel

Thibaut Courtois will be back behind the wheel keeping the football representation strong. Racing for the first time will be big wave-surfer Kai Lenny, as well as Latin American singer Luis Fonsi.

Confirmed grid

Team
Driver A
Driver B
Mercedes
Valtteri Bottas
Esteban Gutierrez
FDA Hublot Esports Team
Charles Leclerc
Arthur Leclerc
Red Bull
Alex Albon
Kai Lenny
McLaren
Lando Norris
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Renault
Esteban Ocon
Nicolas Prost
Haas
Louis Deletraz
Pietro Fittipaldi
Racing Point
David Schumacher
Luis Fonsi
Alpha Tauri
Tonio Liuzzi
Luca Salvadori
Alfa Romeo
Antonio Giovinazzi
Thibaut Courtois
Williams
George Russell
Nicholas Latifi

How to watch

The Virtual Monaco GP will start at 6pm BST on Sunday, 24 May.

As usual it will be streamed live on Formula 1's official YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook accounts.

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It is also likely to be broadcast around the world on the same channels you would usually watch Formula 1.

F2 race & F1 Esports Pro Exhibition

Before the Virtual GP, two races will be happening. A virtual Formula 2 race will take place at 4pm BST, and a the F1 Esports pros will be back in action at 5pm BST.

Both these races will be streamed live from the Gfinity Arena across the official F1 channels on YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook.

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