Rindi Putra
It's F1 23 already and we're still embroiled in discussions surrounding the cheating allegations involving the top player at the F1 Esports level. It's somewhat disheartening, but on the other hand, it continues to draw fans, keeping them engaged and eagerly watching every race they participate in. The latest spark from the most influential person in this saga, Jarno Opmeer, has ignited more discussions because he called Thomas Ronhaar dirty and cheater in his live stream on Twitch.
Okay, Man. What a dirty c*nt man. F*****g Cheater. - Jarno Opmeer
This comment is a bit shocking because from this allegation begin to arise, Opmeer or any pro driver never really stated that Ronhaar is cheating or at least there is something suspicious about his driving. But in the first race (Bahrain) of PSGL on June 22, 2023, Opmeer really said it on his Twitch stream!
Before you continue reading, if you are not familiar with and need more context about this drama I really suggest you read this article first: Thomas Ronhaar Cheating Allegation
Opmeer: "I did overreact..."
Jarno Opmeer always uploads his race on Twitch to YouTube in a shorter length and with his voice commentating on it. In this Bahrain race, Opmeer also shows the moment when he was fighting with Ronhaar for a position. Pushed wide by Ronhaar, Opmeer expressed his disappointment with a controversial comment: "Okay, man. What a dirty c*nt man. F*****g Cheater."
Note: You can't hear the comment on his YouTube video because it is muted. On the live stream on Twitch, it's very clear but now the video is hidden on Opmeer's Twitch account. If you want to watch the exact moment, you can watch it in this video.
A few days after that race Opmeer uploaded a video on YouTube commentating about his race live stream on Twitch. In the video, Opmeer explains that he did overreact because the tension was high like in every sport.
"I did overreact for sure but yeah tension were high just like in every sport and esports of course." - Jarno Opmeer
"It wasn't a fair move..."
Opmeer then explains what Ronhaar did when they are fighting for a position is not a fair move. In an ideal situation, Opmeer should have been ahead at the apex but didn't happen because his opponent (Ronhaar) does not give him enough space because Ronhaar just went straight on and blocked his line.
I personally agree with Opmeer regarding the incident, Ronhaar onboard also showed that Ronhaar didn't even check his mirror (look back) before or during the battle with Opmeer. Such an egoic driving.
"Yeah, we couldn't quite pull it off. I think it wasn't a fair move because we could've been ahead at the apex if he had not carried a holy amount of speed and just gone straight on but yeah, it is what it is."
"I did overreact for sure but yeah tension were high just like in every sports and esports of course"
Opmeer also explains why the audio was muted in that particular spot. It was because he or Marshel (Kiefer) was swearing.
"If you see the sound cut-out it just because I'm swearing, me or Marshel swearing but yeah as I said the tension were high"
No comment from Ronhaar
At least on his Twitter, there is no tweet or update from him regarding this. Instead, he commented about the early incident he had with Otis Lawrence (both drivers spun after a hard battle in lap 14).
"Unfortunate incident with @FRA_ELITE45 meant it ruined my race, no hard feelings as im good friends with him, just very dissapointed atm" -Thomas Ronhaar on Twitter
Unfortunate incident with @FRA_ELITE45 meant it ruined my race, no hard feelings as im good friends with him, just very dissapointed atm
— Thomas Ronhaar (@ThomasRonhaar1) June 21, 2023
Regular YouTube video with "official statement" vibes
After I typed all of Opmeer's comments on his YouTube video regarding this situation, it started to feel like an official statement from him. The wording like "get better", "try my best", "grow", and "change" are all said by Opmeer in this video.
All those words are commonly used in an official statement from a person or a company to address something important. With that said I understand that Opmeer believes that he needs to address this issue carefully or it could backfire on him. This is his full comment on the video regarding this issue.
*Right after the incident with Ronhaar
"Yeah, we couldn't quite pull it off. I think it wasn't a fair move because we could've been ahead at the apex if he had not carried a holy amount of speed and just gone straight on but yeah, it is what it is."
"I did overreact for sure but yeah tension were high just like in every sports and esports of course"
*talking about Alfie Butcher's move on screen
"If you see the sound cut-out it just because I'm swearing, me or Marshel swearing but yeah as I said the tension were high"
*talking about overtaking Marcel Kiefer on screen
"It does seem to be a little bit dirty the league racing at the moment and I'm sure it because everyone are a little bit rusty but yeah usually I tend to verbally got frustrated and (...not clear) on track which I think (...not clear)."
"I also just want to get better at controlling my emotion you know, because that way you can get more out of the race and stay focused and not to mention I just want to swear a little bit less.
So a few days ago I saw a very cute picture of a very little kid watching YouTube video of mine and yeah maybe a young person watching my Twitch stream as well so I just want to swear less get better control of my emotion when racing which I'm definitely gonna try my best at and maybe make me a better driver as well, I'm quite sure it will make me a better driver.
I think in the past few years, of course, my audience grow a lot, even though I'm not change a lot I'm still raging less than back in the day, I just want to get better and be more positive even under high-pressure situations.
*continue to commentating about his race on screen.
Even though the video was filled with official statement vibes, I kind of understand what Opmeer did. Now he has a contract with Mercedes as their Esports driver (and maybe with some other brands too) and it's not easy to get but very easy to lose.
Too many examples of people getting dropped by their sponsors because of one simple short video. So what Opmeer did is understandable in my view.
Where will it end?
I have to admit that Rohnaar's driving style is a bit more aggressive lately but I personally feel bad about his cheating allegation. Every time I saw a post about him on Twitter or even on a live comment, there must be one or two accounts that commented with negative words like Griphaar, Cheater, hack, etc. Imagine if they are all wrong all along and Ronhaar could prove that he is clean and legit in the F1 Esports LAN competition.
The only way to prove him not cheating is on the LAN competition where everyone has the same equipment in the same room. I really hope he wins one or two races in the F1 Esports event, and that's enough to put this allegation to bed.
Also read:
- Thomas Ronhaar Finally Proves He Doesn't Cheat in F1 Sim Racing Races
- Why the Thomas Ronhaar Cheating Allegation Is Very Loud? A Long Update
- This F1 22 Player was Caught Cheating and Disqualified Immediately
- This Esports Team Cheats and Wins at Virtual Daytona 24h
- What is the meaning of "Dentist" in Racing Community?
- Here's the complete Steam Sales & Fests 2023 Schedule
- Top 5 Most Realistic Racing Games for PC
- RaceRoom Review: The Most Underrated Sim Racing Game
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