Formula 1 launches 2026 Sim Racing World Championship at DreamHack Birmingham alongside bespoke new facility

The Formula 1 Sim Racing World Championship will return in 2026, with the season launching at global esports and gaming festival DreamHack Birmingham from 27-29 March, with the remaining three events taking place at F1’s new, multi-purpose studio facility at its world-leading Media and Technology Centre in Biggin Hill.

The championship will take centre stage as part of DreamHack’s gaming ecosystem, with a dedicated F1 Sim Racing Fanzone, featuring activations from several Formula 1 teams, allowing fans to get up close with the simulators, drivers, and the sim racing paddock.

Hosted at the NEC in Birmingham, the event marks the first time DreamHack has taken place in the United Kingdom, with a three-day programme expected to attract 50,000 gaming fans across the weekend.

Formula 1’s integration into DreamHack is the latest example of how the sport continues to build on its strategy to deeply embed F1 in popular culture and reach new fans outside of traditional race weekends.

Following the 2026 series launch at DreamHack, the Championship will move to Formula 1’s Media and Technology Centre, which will host the remaining three events of the season following significant investment from the sport.

The state-of-the-art venue will provide teams and drivers with an optimal performance environment, while placing F1 Sim Racing at the heart of Formula 1’s operations.

Nine teams - Alpine, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Haas, McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Bulls, Red Bull and Williams - will each field a three‑driver esports roster for the season, with two drivers selected to compete at every round.

Across 12 events, the grid will battle for championship points in qualifying and 50%‑distance races, all contributing toward the Drivers’ and Teams’ standings as they chase a share of the $750,000 prize pool.

All 12 rounds of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship will be broadcast live on the official Formula 1 YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook channels.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1, said: “The return of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship in 2026 marks an exciting chapter for the sport with a season-opening event at DreamHack – one of the biggest gaming festivals in the world.

"It allows us to showcase what we have to offer in places not traditionally associated with motorsport and where people may not be expecting to see us. Esports provides a unique opportunity to reach new audiences and connect with a younger generation of fans, giving them additional pathways to engage with the sport and their favourite teams.

"Our investment in a purpose-built sim racing facility at the Media and Technology Centre reinforces our long-term commitment to F1 Sim Racing and provides a permanent home for the Championship’s future growth.”

Niccolo Maisto, Chief Executive Officer of ESL FACEIT Group, added: “By bringing the Formula 1 2026 Sim Racing Championship to DreamHack Birmingham 2026, we are merging the absolute pinnacle of motorsport with the raw, authentic energy of the UK gaming community.

"It’s a massive collision of worlds - unmatched prestige meeting an unforgettable live crowd. We are thrilled to give our community the chance to witness the world’s fastest drivers push the limits of the grid live on our stages this year.”