Daniel Abt has become the center of controversy in the Formula E Race at Home Challenge amid accusations that the two-time E-Prix race winner wasn’t driving in the series’ fifth round in Berlin.
The German, who represents Audi, previously had a poor run of form in the esports series, failing to record a single point in the first four races of the eight-round competition.
On the digital apron of the Flughafen Tempelhof Circuit, however, Abt experienced a fresh run of form, qualifying in second place – 0.257s adrift of polesitter Stoffel Vandoorne – while going on to take third at the chequered flag after duking it out against the Belgian and eventual winner Oliver Rowland.
Post-race, however, Abt was accused of cheating, with Vandoorne questioning whether it was actually the 27-year-old behind the wheel during the 15-lap affair:
“Really not happy here because that was not Daniel driving,” the runner-up said on Twitch after the chequered flag. “He messed up everything. That was ridiculous, really ridiculous.”
Vandoorne continued: “I’m questioning if it was really Daniel in the car.”
During Formula E’s live stream of the virtual race in Berlin, Abt’s webcam was shown live, however, the face of the driver was obstructed by camera equipment while the third-placed finisher also failed to participate in the post-race podium interviews.
At present, Abt’s third place finish stands, however, this has become the latest part of controversy in esports following unsportsmanlike conduct in in the IndyCar iRacing series and the indefinite suspension of Kyle Larson after using a racial slur in an online NASCAR race.
Motorsport Week has contacted Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler for comment on the allegations.
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