F1 video game developer Codemasters is the subject of a $973M buyout offer from American videogame publisher Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. Take-Two -- which owns the 2K and Rockstar Games brands -- would "add F1 to its roster of other mainstream sports," including the NBA and PGA. Founded in 1986, Codemasters is one of the U.K.’s oldest video game studios and "motorsport has played a key role in its evolution into one of the best-regarded names in the business" (MOTORSPORT, 11/9).
British F1 driver Lando Norris has "announced the launch of his own esports team called Quadrant." The 20-year-old gained a big following online earlier this year as he took part in virtual races while F1 was suspended because of COVID-19 (BBC, 11/6).
Meanwhile, the Bahrain International Circuit has confirmed that its two upcoming F1 races will be run "predominantly" without spectators. The venue said that the Bahrain GP on Nov. 29 and the Sakhir GP on Dec. 6 will be "open only to families of frontline health workers and first responders in Bahrain" (MOTORSPORT, 11/7).
