Formula 1: partnership with Zoom to offer virtual paddock experiences for races behind closed doors

Zoom Video Communications, a US company providing remote teleconferencing/videoconferencing services via cloud computing, has become a partner of Formula One Management "to provide new business opportunities through unique, live-sport experiences," said the two entities on 16/07/2020.

As part of this agreement, Zoom will compensate for the absence of premium VIP "paddock club" hospitality, suspended due to the races being staged behind closed-doors in light of the Covid-19 crisis, by offering a virtual experience, the Virtual Paddock Club. "Hospitality is a key component of the F1 experience, so the companies partnered to create a bespoke virtual hospitality experience for guests."

"Across the past race weekend (in Austria, from 10 to 12/07/2020), guests joined the Virtual Paddock Club, through Zoom, and were treated to a range of experiences, including live updates and insight from legends of the paddock," said Formula One Management.

"Zoom will provide an exclusive experience throughout the eight-race European season (+2 races since 10/07/2020), and in addition, F1 will look…