Williams Esport’s Seb Hawkins discusses the team’s recent success in the Le Mans Virtual Series and the importance of representing AMG.
Williams and esports go together like banger and mash.
The legendary British Formula 1 racing team is a household name worldwide that has also expanded its reach by entering the sim world. It’s a move we’re seeing more of these days and one that Seb Hawkins, Team Manager at Williams Esports, is deeply proud of.
Seb Hawkins, Team Manager of Williams Esports, via LinkedIn
“It’s a great honor to be with Williams. And it was really interesting to be part of the journey to work with the guys and see how eSports fits our brand and how we work as an F1 team.”
I had the pleasure of interviewing Hawkins via Zoom and to be honest it almost felt like I was taking a tour of the Williams facility. It was hard to hide the fangirl in me while admiring the sheer beauty of the space surrounding the team leader.
Williams Esports Factory about Williams Esports
“You can see right behind me there,” he pointed over his left shoulder.
“There’s a lot of trophies and all the things that I’ve spent hours of my time watching getting achieved. To be here all of a sudden is a great achievement for me. You remember that every time you walk through a different door in the factory.”
Hawkins has always loved racing. When he was younger he watched his father race at club level. After a rally, he hopped into a sim and tried to recreate what he’d seen at those weekend races. It all started with a simple setup, a contrast to the wealth of top-notch simulators at the Williams facility he now calls home.
His job is to take care of a large roster of drivers, engineers, and broadcast staff. Basically anything and everything that serves to deliver the results you see at the track.
Three of the drivers he manages are Jakub Brzezinkski, Michael Romanidis and Nikodem Wisniewski – the AMG Team Williams Esports squad that fought hard for second place in Round 2 of the Le Mans Virtual Series last weekend. An incredible result considering where the number 53 LMP car started on the grid.
“Second place with the AMG car was fantastic considering we started from 15th place! When we got our first full course yellow of the season, we executed a perfect strategy. Coupled with our great pace, we were able to capitalize on the situation,” Hawkins said after the big win at Monza.
During our pre-race chat, the team manager was hoping for a one-two and explained that this group was capable of it.
“They are immensely talented drivers. These guys have a huge résumé of races they’ve not only competed in for years but earlier in their careers.”
Williams’ relationship with Mercedes-AMG is also a tremendous achievement off the track. And as Hawkins reflected on the connection between the two, he radiated even more appreciation.
“Of course, a factory brand that is involved in sim racing is great for the community anyway. It was really nice to work with a top manufacturer who now not only competes in sim racing but also has a well-respected name in motorsport. To carry this name we strive to be as professional as possible and our drivers are very honored to be a part of that too.
“The drivers really enjoy being part of this partnership. We had the opportunity to go out and take many opportunities from the virtual world to the real world. And that is huge for them.”
From a simple founding to working with Williams and AMG, Seb Hawkins is an inspirational leader who represents what esports is all about: teamwork and family.
“There’s a really good family environment here at Williams and I think that’s important to the success of our team.”
Congratulations to AMG Team Williams Esports on the podium at the 4 Hours of Monza! Follow all LMVS promotions on our Traxion.GG YouTube channel.
