The Williams Formula 1 team ha🅰s an﷽nounced it will launch an official eSports team in 2018.

Williams’ confirmation follows the news that all teams except Ferrari h𝔍ave signed up to contest the second season🧜 of the F1 Sports Series this year. 

The Grove-based F1 outfit have signed Javier Per🐟ez, Jani Vitsaniemi and Bernardo Perez to its eSports team driver roster for the 2018 campaign, with the drivers being provided with access to the team’s Oxfordshire factory for training, as well as working with Robert Kubica in the simulator. 

“eSports has grown dramatically in recent years to become a huge global industry, so we’re eager ꦡto take on the challenge of growing sim racing’s place in the eSports world,” Williams eSports team manager Javier Guerra said. 

“We’re looking forward to developing our roster of drivers, offering 𒁏a select number the incredible chance to become part of th🍎e Williams family.”

Head of creative services Steven English added: “Gaming and motorsport have had strong links for many years. Now, eSports is an innovative part of the sport and entertainment landscape, so this is a natural evolution of ♕our competitive spirit. 

“We’re ambitious about de🌱veloping opportunities for our fans and our partners iꦑn this new and exciting space for us.”

In July an NFL-style 'Pro Draft' will take place in London, which is expected to coincide🀅 with the British Grand Prix (July 6-8), when each team will pick at least one driver for the remainde♉r of the year.

Following t𓃲he Pro Draft, the second half of the Esports season will see three live events take place across September to determine the 2018ꦜ F1 teams’ and drivers' world champions with a prize fund of $200,000.