The Australian Esports League has announced a partnership with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to launch a student esports tournament.
Known as the Victorian Virtual Grand Prix, students from Victorian schools will compete for a chance to win a trip to the Australian Grand Prix, the opening race of this year’s Formula One season.
Entrance to the event costs $25 AUD (~£13.11) and features two pathways open to primary and secondary school students. Students aged 10 to 12 will compete in an in-person event at Kingsville Primary School on February 28th. The top four drivers will advance to the Grand Prix Finals, taking place on March 5th.
The secondary school pathway is open to Victorian school students in Years 7 to 12. Participants will compete in online qualifiers on F1 24 for PC and Xbox, with the top 12 drivers securing a place at the Grand Prix Finals.
The Grand Prix Finals will take place at the Innovation Hub located within Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit, with finalists earning free one-day entry to the Australian Grand Prix alongside one parent. The remaining 16 drivers will compete on state-of-the-art sim racing rigs designed to offer an immersive experience.
HyperX will support the Victorian Virtual Grand Prix after it joined forces with the Australian Esports League in December 2025. The gaming peripherals brand will also provide a range of prizes to the top three drivers, with the winner receiving a headset, gaming mouse, gaming monitor, and a custom trophy.
Australia’s Sim Racing Efforts
Sim racing in Australia remains a popular engagement tool to offer aspiring drivers a pathway into real-world motorsport. In January, Motorsport Australia extended its partnership with Next Level Racing to continue supporting the body’s esports initiatives.
By partnering with the Australian Grand Prix organisers, students in the state of Victoria have an opportunity to compete in a structured tournament and attend one of the state’s largest sporting events.
