Williams Esports team issue apology after ‘unacceptable conduct’ in iRacing event

Sam Cooper
The Williams logo on its motorhome. Imola April 2022.

The Williams logo on its motorhome. Imola April 2022.

Williams have apologised after their Esports team was accused of using unsporting tactics during the Daytona 24 Hours iRacing round.

The race, which was held over the weekend of January 20-22, became a controversial moment in the world of Esports as the Williams team was heavily criticised for its tactics after they secured pole position.

The eventual overall winners ran on the apron of the circuit instead of the banking which is in violation of iRacing rules. The team was also accused of unsporting tactics when its second car fell several laps behind and appeared to ignore blue flags which delayed rival cars in order to help the other Williams car.

As a result, Williams have apologised, stating that actions of some members of the team “breached our standard for acceptable team conduct.”

“Following our investigation into the events of iRacing Daytona 24, we find that the actions of some members of the Williams Esports team breached our standard for acceptable team conduct. We apologise wholeheartedly for that both to our fellow competitors and to the wider Esports community,” the statement read.

The team also disowned a social media post put out during the event, saying it was made without the team’s authorisation and that it had since been deleted.

“We would additionally like to state that the social media post put out by one of our team members was not authorised, nor does it reflect the values of Williams Esports. These opinions are not reflective of the team position and have since been deleted.”

Williams went on to say they believed in fair racing and competing to win but did not say whether any disciplinary action had been taken against their drivers.

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“We believe in fair racing and competing to win but that needs to be with integrity and the spirit that is part of our DNA. We make a commitment to coach and educate our drivers and team, helping them to balance the demands of intense competition with our values.

“It’s crucial to have robust and consistent regulation in all sports. Williams Esports, as a key player in the industry, is continuously committed to working with game developers and tournament organisers to ensure consistent enforcement of clear regulations and consequences of breaches.

“Accountability, integrity and regulation are key to the continued growth and strategic sustainability of sim racing and of the wider Esports industry and we are committed to driving that forward.”