An F1 Sim Racing World Championship debut to savour. 16-year-old rookie and Aston Martin Aramco Esports driver Otis Lawrence reflects on his maiden victory in the series at the opening event of the 2025 season.
Delivering a memorable drive around the streets of Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Otis cemented himself as one of the rising stars in the F1 Sim Racing world.
"I'm very happy," said Otis shortly after the chequered flag fell. "It's my first race win in F1 Sim Racing. I did the best I could."
While double world champion Jarno Opmeer appeared to have the edge right up until the final corner, Otis clinched the win by mere thousandths of a second in a thrilling end to the race.
"We played the strategy to perfection," Otis said. "I think Jarno overtook me a bit too early. I knew I had a higher wing level. It worked at the last corner. I tricked him into taking the inside line and then I went around the outside. I'm very happy. It was so close – about three thousandths coming across the line."
On Lap 22, I started getting the 'leg-shake' because that was the point when I really thought I could win it.
It was a victory that showcased not only Otis' talent but also his determination and composure at the highest level of F1 Sim Racing. To add to this, just a week ago, Otis was juggling school and exams. Despite the pressure, he remained focused and put himself in championship contention heading into the remainder of the season.
"It's quite nerve-wracking, especially when you're trying to fight for the win," Otis said. "I thought I was going to have a heart attack in those last couple of laps. It was crazy.
"On Lap 22, I started getting the 'leg-shake' because that was the point when I really thought I could win it. Then, on the last lap, I was trying to stay as close as I could to Jarno and also trying not to crash at Turn Four which can be deadly with the front left tyre. I got there in the end, and I'm just buzzing.
"Honestly, I had a lot of anxiety about whether I was going to do well or not," he admitted. "I think I've come here and done the best job I can, and that's the main thing. Let's carry this on into the future."
It's just the beginning of his journey, but if this performance was anything to go by, the remainder of the season will be one to watch. The Aston Martin Aramco F1 Esports Team had an excellent start, collectively securing fourth in the Teams' Championship after the opening event of the season.
With the next event of the 2025 campaign beginning 12 February, Otis and team-mates Duncan Holfand and Fabrizio Donoso will return to the track to race at the iconic Silverstone Circuit, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Circuit Zandvoort and Circuit of the Americas.
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