Formula E Pro Daniel Abt Caught Using Stand-In Driver in Virtual Race

What gave Abt away was his unprecedented performance, The Race reports. Until Saturday’s Formula E Race at Home Challenge, the fifth series of the virtual race, Abt had never placed in the top 5 contenders. On this occasion, though, he made it all the way to number one, then slipped down one position and eventually finished off third.

The too-good-to-be-true performance was only the first tell-tale sign for Abt’s fellow racers. The fact that he was not immediately available to answer calls, did not do any post-race interviews, did not stream on his Twitch, and kept his face obscured during the race also served as warning signals.

At the end of the race, Formula E officials inspected the IPs associated to the professional racers and determined that Abt had used a stand-in driver. It was later revealed that the stand-in was Audi affiliate and professional e-sports competitor Lorenz Hörzing. While e-sports competitors are allowed to race in Formula E virtual races as well, actual Formula E drivers are held to higher standards. Lying about driving in the simulation is one of them.

“I would like to apologize to Formula E, all of the fans, my team and my fellow drivers for having called in outside help during the race on Saturday. I didn’t take it as seriously as I should have. I’m especially sorry about this, because I know how much work has gone into this project on the part of the Formula E organization,” Abt says in a statement.

“I am aware that my offense has a bitter aftertaste, but it was never meant with any bad intention. Of course, I accept the disqualification from the race. In addition, I will donate 10,000 euros to a charitable project,” Abt adds.

He was disqualified for the remainder of the season. The donation is a compulsory one, because the event was dedicated to raising money for UNICEF. Hörzing has also been banned from the race.