Daniel Abt has been suspended by Audi and may never race for the team again after the German driver cheated during the Race At Home challenge.
The 27-year old used a sim racer to race instead of himself during the Saturday’s virtual race in Berlin.
Abt was disqualified after it was proven that he instigated a scheme that saw professional esports racer Lorenz Hoerzing take his place in the event.
“Daniel Abt did not drive his car in qualifying and the race at the fifth event of the Race at Home Challenge on May 23 himself, but let a professional Sim-Racer do so.
“He directly apologised for this on the following day and accepted the disqualification.
“Integrity, transparency and consistent compliance with applicable rules are top priorities for Audi – this applies to all activities the brand is involved in without exception.
“For this reason, Audi Sport has decided to suspend Daniel Abt with immediate effect.”
If season six does restart after the COVID-19 pandemic, Audi will now be tasked with finding a new driver to partner Lucas Di Grassi for the remainder of the season and going into season seven.