Using iPhone as a remote to play Split Screen Games on Apple TV.

I’ve purchased a $4 racing game which is an Apple TV app, that allows for split screen play. I got excited until I realized the iPhone simply takes the same role as player 1 as does the Apple TV remote. Is there a way to use them as seperate remotes so I can play this game with my wife without purchasing a 3rd party controller? We both have iPhone XR and obviously the have all the same components essentially as the Apple remote. It would make total sense but it doesn’t seem to work regardless of how thoroughly I search in the settings and look online for a similar issue. Thanks for the information. All my friends also have iPhones and I thought I had a recipe for a fun game night bonanza but nobody would have to share a controller, and could instead use their phones to play which would put their minds more at ease regarding the corona ordeal.