VFC TEAM PRESENTATION

After a few relatively quiet development rounds, the upgrade race in VFC is picking up pace again ahead of the British GP. A total of nine teams have activated new development stages. While some teams are focusing on individual areas, others are bringing larger packages that affect several key performance categories at once. Optiminal Esports – broad technical and performance package Optiminal Esports makes progress in five areas: Drag: 9 → 10 Weight: 8 → 10 Internal componen

Fabian Walter is not the kind of driver who necessarily makes the biggest headlines every weekend. His races are rarely marked by unnecessary controversy, and in wheel-to-wheel battles he usually races respectfully, leaving plenty of room for his opponents. Spectacle at any cost has never been his style. And yet, Walter ends up remarkably often where it really matters: near the front. Since making his VFC debut in 2021, the German has worked his way a little closer to the top

Spa-Francorchamps once again showed why it remains one of the great classics on the VFC calendar. Tom Oldenmenger made perfect use of the absence of his biggest title rival, Patrik Hanko confirmed his impressive debut, and Alex Woitala delivered one of the weekend’s most remarkable performances despite difficult circumstances. At the same time, the crisis surrounding two traditional teams reached a new low. Tom Oldenmenger – Opportunity Taken With Sven Schubert absent from th

After several development-heavy race weekends, things are a little quieter ahead of the Belgian GP. Only Blue Horns Racing, Ottimale EM, Horizon Motorsport and VEGA are bringing new upgrades, while the rest of the grid remains on its previous development level. This time, the focus is mainly on targeted individual improvements rather than large-scale packages. Blue Horns Racing – more engine performance Blue Horns Racing is making a clear step on the power unit side: Engine p

Optiminal Esports has further finalized its line-up for the 2027 VFC season: Sven Schubert will remain with the team for another year. With that, Optiminal is focusing on continuity and confirming a driver who has become one of the defining figures of the team in recent years. Following the departure of Heiko Kolvenbach and the signing of Fabian Szyrzik, Schubert’s future was one of the most important personnel questions surrounding Optiminal Esports. Now it is clear: the Ger

Ten races are complete, six remain – and the battle for the 2026 VFC Drivers’ Championship could hardly be closer. Just three points separate championship leader Tom Oldenmenger and Sven Schubert heading into the decisive stage of the season. Behind them, Fabian Walter, Heiko Kolvenbach and Benjamin Gielczynski remain mathematically in contention, but the gaps already make one thing clear: realistically, the championship is developing into a two-driver fight between VEGA and

Even during the summer break, things are anything but quiet in the VFC paddock. The first major decisions for 2027 are being made, while several sporting questions are already beginning to shape the second half of the current season. From Fabian Szyrzik’s move to Optiminal and the open futures of Tim Hauck and Horizon Motorsport to Sven Schubert missing the Belgian Grand Prix and the growing importance of engine management, here are the latest stories from the Virtual Formula

Optiminal Esports has answered one of the most exciting personnel questions ahead of the 2027 VFC season: Fabian Szyrzik will move from Horizon Motorsport to Optiminal Esports for the upcoming campaign. Following the announced departure of Heiko Kolvenbach, Optiminal has filled one of the most sought-after cockpits in the entire VFC field. With Szyrzik, the team is not only bringing in an experienced driver, but also a strong technical mind. Alongside his experience on track,

Part 1 of our VFC Mid-Season Report focused on the teams sitting 13th through seventh in the Constructors' Championship. Now it is time to turn our attention to the top six. And the stories could hardly be more different. A former championship leader has suffered a dramatic decline, several teams are locked in a close fight for third, one newcomer has massively exceeded expectations – and at the very front, Optiminal Esports continues to set the standard. The grades follow th

Ten races are in the books and six remain – the 2026 VFC season has already passed its halfway point and is heading into its decisive phase following the Austrian Grand Prix. That makes it the perfect time for a first assessment of how each team has performed so far. The Constructors' Championship standings alone do not tell the full story. Expectations heading into the season, the potential of each car and, where possible, a comparison with the same point of the 2025 campaig

In the first part of our VFC Silly Season 2027 preview, we worked our way through the current Constructors’ Championship standings from Arrow Racing in 13th to Ottimale EM in seventh. Now it is time for the top six – and with them some of the most intriguing personnel questions of the entire driver market. While Rookie Monsters has already confirmed its line-up and few changes are expected at VEGA or Seawolf, the decisions made by Horizon, Razor and Optiminal in particular co

The 2026 season is not over yet, but behind the scenes attention is already turning towards 2027. Some decisions for the upcoming VFC season have already been made, while other teams appear to at least have a general direction in mind – and elsewhere, the driver market remains completely open. For a look into the crystal ball, we asked three members of the VFC Media Team for their predictions: Jörn Dicks, Daniel Scott and Sven Schubert shared their thoughts on which drivers c

The VFC may currently be in its summer break, but the paddock is anything but quiet. With the 2027 driver market beginning to take shape, several names have already emerged at the centre of the latest speculation. From possible moves involving Tim Hauck, Heiko Kolvenbach and Jan Wiegels to teams stepping up their preparations for next season, here are the latest stories from around the Virtual Formula Championship. Hauck in talks with Blue Horns Tim Hauck’s options for the 20

Spinardi is set for a complete fresh start ahead of the 2027 VFC season. The team will not only undergo major personnel changes, but will also compete under a new name: Spinardi will become the Smile Power Racing Team. There will also be a change at the top of the team. James Andrews will take over the team principal role from Daniel Scott for the upcoming season, while also continuing behind the wheel himself. Alongside him, Mike Bell will take over the second car. With that

Rookie Monsters has officially confirmed its driver line-up for the 2027 VFC season: Daniel Scott will take over the vacant second cockpit and race alongside team principal and driver Robin Moelling. Following the upcoming departure of Chris Gitsov, Rookie Monsters had an important personnel decision to make. With Scott, the team brings in a driver who not only has experience, but is also likely to provide plenty of talking points. For Rookie Monsters, it is also a return, as

Rookie Monsters will see a change in its driver line-up at the end of the current VFC season: Chris Gitsov will leave the team after this season. It marks the end of a partnership that played an important role in Rookie Monsters’ debut campaign — not least because of the team’s first victory in the VFC. Gitsov himself reflected honestly on the current situation and his role within the team: "I myself wasn't particularly useful as a teammate so in a way it was to be expected t

Tim Hauck will leave Ottimale EM at the end of the season! The decision was made by Hauck himself. After his time with Ottimale EM, the German driver wants to take on a new challenge and make the next step in his VFC career. For Ottimale EM, this decision means far more than just an open cockpit for the upcoming season. Hauck’s departure is a painful loss for the team, which is not only losing a driver, but also an important part of its current season. His work on track, his

The Austrian GP at the Blue Horns Ring delivered far more than just a surprise winner. Heiko Kolvenbach finally achieved his sporting breakthrough after several difficult months, VEGA let a potential one-two finish slip away, and Blue Horns Racing endured a disastrous home event. Meanwhile, several major accidents at the final corner raised serious questions about the circuit’s future. These are the five key takeaways from Austria. The Resurgence of Heiko Kolvenbach Heiko Kol

Following the major wave of development ahead of the French GP, the VFC upgrade race continues before the Austrian GP. This time, eight teams have activated new development stages. The changes range from targeted individual improvements to extensive packages covering aerodynamics, weight, technical systems and engine performance. Falcon Simracing – clear aerodynamic progress Falcon Simracing makes improvements in two key areas: Downforce: 8 → 9 Drag: 8 → 9 With these upgrades

A bombshell at the end of the first part of the summer break: Heiko Kolvenbach will leave Optiminal Esports after this season. The decision was made by Kolvenbach himself, who wants to take on a new challenge after his time with Optiminal Esports. For Optiminal, his departure means far more than just the loss of a driver. It is also a major personnel decision with significant implications. With Kolvenbach’s exit, one of the most sought-after cockpits in the entire VFC field w

Magny-Cours once again demonstrated why it has been a permanent fixture on the VFC calendar for years. A spectacular battle for victory, bitter retirements, and growing concerns for several teams shaped the Grand Prix in Burgundy. Here are the five key takeaways from France. Gielczynski vs Schubert – A Battle Between Equals Benjamin Gielczynski and Sven Schubert delivered a battle at the absolute limit in the closing laps of the French GP – and, at the same time, a perfect ex

Ahead of the French GP, the development race in VFC is picking up serious momentum once again. Twelve teams have activated new upgrade stages and made another clear step forward before Magny-Cours. Only Ottimale EM remains unchanged. This time, the range goes from smaller fine-tuning updates to major all-round packages that affect almost the entire car. Optiminal Esports – the major all-round package Optiminal Esports brings one of the most eye-catching packages of the weeken

After the relatively quiet picture ahead of the San Marino GP, the development race in VFC is picking up some momentum again before the German GP. Six teams have activated new upgrade stages and taken another step forward. This time, the focus ranges from targeted technical upgrades to aerodynamic improvements and pit stop performance. Razor GP – focus on the technical foundation Razor GP is heading into Germany with a focused technical upgrade: Internal components: 0 → 2 Wit

Imola is back – and in style. After a three-year absence, the traditional circuit returned to the VFC calendar and delivered a race decided less by chaos and more by strategy, timing, and composure. Seawolf NetRace Motorsport completed its breakthrough, several unlucky drivers continued their difficult runs, and the 2026 VFC season remains as unpredictable as ever. Seawolf Completes the Turnaround Seawolf NetRace Motorsport arrived in Imola as a dark horse. The team’s form cu

After the development steps seen in recent races, things are a little quieter ahead of the San Marino GP. While most of the grid remains unchanged, Blue Horns Racing and Seawolf NetRace Motorsport have both activated new upgrades. The focus is clearly on improving overall performance. Blue Horns Racing – targeted refinement Blue Horns Racing brings a compact but effective package to San Marino: Downforce: 6 → 7 Engine performance: 1 → 2 That means Blue Horns is improving both

The Grand Prix in Miami delivered a clear message: the balance of power is shifting, early-season trends are becoming more visible, and the 2026 VFC season remains wide open. Between Razor GP’s comeback, Seawolf’s clear step forward, and the first signs of form trouble elsewhere, the United States GP provided plenty of answers. Razor GP Is Back After a difficult start to the season, Razor GP made a clear statement in Miami. The 2025 runners-up in both the Drivers’ and Teams’

After the major development steps seen in recent races, the upgrade race in VFC continues ahead of the USA GP. This time, the field is a little quieter than in previous rounds, but seven teams have still activated new upgrade stages. The focus ranges from classic aero improvements to targeted technical upgrades. Razor GP – one of the most eye-catching packages Razor GP brings one of the biggest upgrade packages on the grid ahead of the USA GP: Downforce: 8 → 9 Drag: 7 → 8 Wei

Montreal once again proved why it is one of the most unpredictable stops on the calendar. Few circuits combine strategy and chaos as closely as the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Between bold tyre calls, Safety Cars, and relentless incidents, the Canadian Grand Prix delivered one of the most intense races of the season. Tom Oldenmenger – A Statement Victory It was not a dominant win from the front, but one built on precision, patience, and perfect execution. Tom Oldenmenger claim

After the developments around the Japan GP, the upgrade race in VFC is heating up once again. Ahead of the Canada GP, a huge part of the grid has activated new upgrade stages — only Falcon Simracing and SVL Racing head into the next race weekend without any further changes. The high number of upgrades is no coincidence: with Montreal, the championship now moves from Quarter 1 into Quarter 2, opening the door for the next major wave of development for many teams. The range is

Four races are done, the spring break has arrived – and that makes it the perfect time for the next early assessment. In Part 6 of our big team check, we focus on Razor GP and Optiminal Esports, two teams looking at the top of the championship from completely different angles in 2026. Razor GP: From last year’s benchmark to a project surrounded by questions The difference compared to 2025 is immediately striking at Razor GP. 29 points instead of 86, no win, no podium, and onl

Four races are done, the spring break has arrived – and that makes it the perfect time for the next early assessment. In Part 5 of our big team check, we focus on Falcon Simracing and Blue Horns Racing, two teams whose decline compared to 2025 may have different explanations, but is impossible to ignore on paper. Falcon Simracing: A decline with context – and a team in a transition year At first glance, the comparison with 2025 looks brutal for Falcon Simracing. 25 points ins

Four races are done, the spring break has arrived – and that makes it the perfect time for the next early assessment. In Part 4 of our big team check, we focus on Rookie Monsters and Ottimale EM, two teams that have moved into the spotlight in very different ways during the opening phase of the season. Team Rookie Monsters: Between setbacks and the defining moment in Suzuka Rookie Monsters are one of the most fascinating examples of how quickly the picture of an early season

Four races are done, the spring break has arrived – and that makes it the perfect time for the next round of assessment. In Part 3 of our big team check, we turn our attention to three established names on the grid: SVL Racing, Arrow Racing and Simspark Racing. Three teams, three very different situations – and yet for all of them, the coming weeks are likely to define the direction of their season. SVL Racing: Still solid – but the big step forward never came SVL Racing are

Four races are done, the spring break has arrived – and that makes it the perfect time for an initial assessment. In this edition of our big team check, we focus on two more new names on the grid: Spinardi and Seawolf NetRace Motorsport. Both teams have had a difficult start to the 2026 season so far, but with Montreal approaching, the picture may soon begin to change. Spinardi: Limited returns, but the first encouraging signs are there Spinardi’s start to the season does not

Four races have been completed, the spring break has arrived – and that makes it the perfect time for a first real assessment. In our big team check, we compare each team’s development to where they stood in 2025. In Part 1, however, we first turn our attention to two of the new names on the grid: VEGA and Horizon Motorsport. VEGA: The strong newcomer still waiting for that first win What VEGA have delivered in the opening four races deserves the highest respect. 58 points, f

Suzuka delivered – and in spectacular fashion. What was expected to be a classic strategy race turned into one of the most chaotic and entertaining Grands Prix in recent VFC history. Surprise winners, missed opportunities, and countless incidents shaped a race that will be remembered for a long time. Chris Gitsov – A First-Time VFC Winner On Sunday, the VFC witnessed one of the biggest surprises in its history: Chris Gitsov claimed his first-ever VFC victory in Suzuka. The I

After the upgrades introduced for Qatar, the development race in VFC continues straight into the next round. Ahead of the Japan GP , three teams have activated new upgrade stages and made further progress. The focus is clearly on aerodynamics . Blue Horns Racing – more downforce Blue Horns Racing brings a targeted aero upgrade to Japan: Downforce: 5 → 6 A clear step aimed at improving the overall package and pushing the car further forward in terms of grip and stability. Ott

The VFC’s first visit to Qatar delivered clear winners, major setbacks, and an increasingly defined championship picture. Between dominance, early chaos, and strategic battles, Lusail showed that the 2026 season is beginning to take shape. Fabian Szyrzik is back It took three races, but Fabian Szyrzik has firmly re-established himself at the front of the VFC grid. The Horizon Motorsport driver claimed his first victory since his comeback – and did so in dominant fashion. Fro

After the upgrades introduced in Malaysia, the development race in VFC continues at full speed: five teams are bringing new upgrades to the Qatar GP . The changes are clearly spread across key areas — from aero efficiency and weight optimisation to engine performance and reliability . Optiminal Esports – major drag upgrades Optiminal Esports takes a big step in aero development: Drag: 6 → 8 This upgrade comes free of charge thanks to downforce/aero engineer Manabu Hihori

Sepang is back – and immediately delivered a strategically dominated race with strong individual performances, heated duels and the first trends for the 2026 season. Here are the five most important insights from the race in Malaysia. Schubert’s Tactical Masterclass The race weekend in Malaysia got off to a less than ideal start for the reigning champion. After finishing fifth in qualifying, Sven Schubert had what he himself described in an interview as ‘the worst start of my

After the season opener in Melbourne, the development race in the 2026 VFC moves straight on to the next round. Four teams are bringing new upgrades to the Malaysian Grand Prix – and are making an early statement. Razor GP – clear aero step Razor GP takes a big step forward in aero performance: Downforce: 4 → 6 Drag: 3 → 5 By upgrading both areas at once, Razor is making an early push to reduce the gap and strengthen their overall package. Team Rookie Monsters – efficient de

The season opener in Melbourne had everything: surprises, disappointments, shifting power dynamics – and plenty of drama. Here are the five key takeaways from the race at Albert Park. VEGA Is Optiminal Esports’ Biggest Rival Many expected another dominant season from Optiminal Esports in both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships. But everyone forgot about VEGA . The Italian newcomers made an immediate statement. Tom Oldenmenger secured a sensational second place in his very

The VFC Team Trailer 2026 is online and officially marks the start of the countdown to the start of the season. New teams, new line-ups and lots of new stories: the trailer gives a first impression of the starting field and whets the appetite for the first duels on the track. A big thank you goes to Björn Wahlmeier for creating and editing the video. Enjoy watching!

Optiminal Esports start the 2026 season as defending champions — and they do so with an impressive sense of calm and self-belief. After a year in which the team secured both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles, the off-season has shown one thing above all: the hunger is far from satisfied. Team principal Rouven Meschede offers a deeper look into the preparation, expectations, and the challenges awaiting the team everyone will be chasing. A team returning even stronger For O

Razor GP head into the 2026 season with an unusual blend of restraint and relentless ambition. After a strong year in which they spent a long time fighting for both championships, the outlook is slightly different this time around. Team principal Bastian Paisler and driver Fabian Walter speak openly about expectations, concerns — and their unwavering belief in the Razor GP project. A bumpy start — by design Unlike last year, when Razor GP were among the strongest packages alr