University of Chichester Students Qualify for Prestigious Esports Racing… Read more
A trio of first-year students from the University of Chichester have secured their place in a national Formula 1 simulator racing final, hosted by the iconic British F1 team, Williams. The team, made up of Bertie Wellesley, William White, and Lewis George, will represent the university at the upcoming Student Racing League (SRL) LAN event on April 29. The event is set to take place at the prestigious Williams F1 Conference Centre located in Wantage, Oxfordshire.
The Student Racing League brings together college and university students from across the UK to compete in high-level virtual Formula 1 racing. Throughout the academic year, the Chichester team accumulated points by racing on the same digital circuits used in the real-world F1 season, closely mirroring the structure and intensity of the professional sport. Their strong performances have earned them one of the ten finalist spots in the LAN competition, where each team will race side-by-side in cutting-edge simulators.
The LAN final will not only provide a thrilling conclusion to the season but also offer valuable opportunities beyond the race itself. Participants will enjoy a guided tour of the Williams F1 museum and take part in a careers talk, designed to introduce them to pathways within the motorsport and Esports industries. For those unable to attend in person, the entire event will be broadcast live on the Williams Esports Twitch channel, allowing fans and supporters to watch the action unfold in real time.
Lee Cumbers, Esports Lecturer at the University of Chichester, praised the students’ commitment, saying, “Bertie, Lewis, and Will have demonstrated incredible teamwork and dedication to make it this far. Competing in person at Williams HQ is not only a reward for their hard work, but also an invaluable chance to explore professional opportunities in motorsport and Esports.”
Student and competitor William White echoed that excitement, reflecting on what the qualification means for the team. “Reaching the LAN finals is a big achievement for us,” he said. “It shows how much time and effort we’ve put into competing throughout the season. But more than that, visiting Williams HQ—home to one of the most successful teams in F1 history—is a huge honour. We’re excited to represent our university and make the most of the experience.”
The University of Chichester was the first in the UK to enter the SRL and is now making its second appearance in the competition, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in the field of university-level Esports racing.
