Just like Max Verstappen, Jarno Opmeer also celebrated this week. The Mercedes driver won the F1 Esports world title for the second time in a row last week. A branch of sport that is growing more and more, with more and more followers.

Another year

It is therefore not surprising that Formula 1 teams are investing more and more in Esport. Opmeer has at his disposal two engineers who focus entirely on esports. With probably the best facilities on the grid, it makes sense that Opmeer would want to stay with the squad longer. In an exclusive interview with GPblog he was able to confirm a longer stay: “I don’t know if I have the right to say it, but I will say it anyway. I will also be driving for Mercedes next year. In addition to F1 Esports, I will also do Le Mans and Formula E for the team , “ said Opmeer, who signed another one-year contract.

It is therefore a busy program, which starts in January with a virtual race on the historic Le Mans circuit. A race in which Mercedes does not participate in “real life”. “If they just do things, which they also do in real life, then you don’t have a lot of competitions. That’s why they kind of moved away from that and do that too. ‘esport really has to be a separate thing. “

A lot of time and money

For successful Esports drivers, the same goes for racing drivers: if you do well, you’re attracted. “Yes, they are inquiring,” Opmeer said when asked if there was much interest in his services. “There are always teams that ask a little, how and what. But I also understand that Mercedes is spending an incredible amount of time and money in esports. So yeah, I just want to be with the best team.”

Last season, Opmeer spent three months at Brackley, where Mercedes has its factory. Every day he worked there, among other things, adjusting his car. Since last week he is back in the Netherlands. “It’s not yet certain (whether I’ll live at Brackley again next season). It hasn’t been discussed yet. Until then we’ll see. “

Extended maintenance

A more in-depth interview with world champion Opmeer will appear on GPblog shortly. Keep an eye on our website!