Pro drivers are competing with gamers after F1 and Nascar canceled races
As someone who has raced formula race cars and who has been an enthusiastic participant in racing simulations since way back in the old days of Grand Prix Legends let me assure you - a simulated race car has almost nothing in common with the real experience other than your hands are turning a wheel and your feet push pedals.  The sensations in a real race car are simply overwhelming - the noise, g forces, heat, and the lack of being able to see much other than straight ahead.  Grand Prix Legends and iRacing were/are both tremendous fun and a real achievement - but they are nothing like the real thing.