YouTube breaks into auto racing with KSI as first host

Popular YouTuber Olajide ‘KSI’ Olatunji is the new face of Formula E, an auto racing class that utilizes electric cars.

YouTube is set to stream Formula E races in a new attempt to break into the demographic, following its massive boxing match between KSI and Logan Paul in late August of 2018.

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In keeping with this trend, YouTube has chosen KSI to front their new initiative with Formula E, which is set to feature guest and influencer appearances during the length of its upcoming season.

KSI is excited for this new venture, as cited in a report by the Mirror. “I can’t wait for the first race,” he said to the outlet. “It’s going to be great to see YouTube disrupt the traditional sports broadcasters.”

Formula E chief Ali Russell has similar sentiments toward the partnership, and feels that the initiative will help grow the class’s audience. “Working in tandem with some of the biggest names and influencers allows us to grow our existing audience, which is primarily a younger and more digitally-engaged demographic,” Ali told the Mirror. “This partnership truly fits their needs and viewing habits.”

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KSI will be the first influencer to host Formula E’s first race of the new season, alongside staple host Laurence McKenna. The season kicks off in December 15 in Saudi Arabia and will feature races across the globe, including locations like Morocco, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.

This new initiative follows KSI’s massively successful bout with YouTuber Logan Paul, which reportedly drew in over 800,000 pay-per-views and 1.2 million concurrent viewers through illegal streams on Twitch.

The two are set to have a rematch in summer of 2019.