Audi Formula E driver Daniel Abt was disqualified and ordered to pay 10,000 euros ($10,900) to charity on Sunday for getting a professional gamer to compete under his name in an official esports race.
The German, who apologised for "having called in outside help", was also stripped of all points won to date in the all-electric series' Race at Home Challenge which features drivers using simulators remotely.
"I did not take it as seriously as I should have," said the 27-year-old, accepting the punishment for sporting misconduct.
"I am especially sorry about this because I know how much work has gone into this project on the part of the Formula E organisation.