Daniel Abt disqualified for cheating in Formula E Race at Home Challenge

Containment has highlighted the advantages of simracing and esports, but also its shortcomings. Clash between drivers en IndyCar iRacing Challenge, Racial remarks costing a very real contract en Nascar, and now cheating. 

Saturday May 23, during the race Formula E Race at Home Challenge in Berlin (Germany), Daniel Abt (Audi) took third place, behind Oliver Rowland (Nissan e.dams) and Stoffel Vandoorne (Mercedes). In reality, the German driver did not drive a meter in the virtual competition! 

In fact, Daniel Abt gave up his place to simracer Lorenz Hoerzing, without notifying the organizers! The strategy was advanced, as Lorenz Hoerzing led his event wearing the official Audi suit and the Daniel Abt helmet. 

The illusion could have worked, if some competitors had not lifted a finger. “I'm really not happy, it wasn't Daniel who was driving, had launched Stoffel Vandoorne on his Twitch live. He ruined everything. It was ridiculous, really ridiculous. »

Daniel Abt, Lucas di Grassi's teammate in the (real) electric championship on behalf of Audi, was disqualified by the organizers after they crossed the IP addresses of Abt's and Hoerzing's computers.

“I would like to apologize to Formula E, my fans, my team and my fellow drivers for asking for outside help during the race on Saturday,” explained the culprit. I didn't take (this race) as seriously as I should have. I am very deeply sorry for this, because I know how hard the Formula E organization worked to put this project in place.​

I am aware that my offense is difficult to swallow, but my action was not undertaken with bad intention. Of course, I accept this disqualification. I will donate 10 euros to charity. »