To get the most out of the F1 game, you need a racing wheel and pedals. There are many different brands and products on the market. Read on to see our recommendations!
You need a racing wheel and pedals to get the most of the F1 game. While it's not a cheap investment, the proper gear will come with many advantages:
More immersive experience: racing with a wheel feels more like driving a racing car, less like just playing another console game on a controller.
Improved performance: while you can get quite far with a controller, you will be able to get better lap times with a wheel + pedals. There’s a reason that all esports gamers use them.
More fun: ever tried racing Monaco on a controller? It sucks! We’re not saying that you will love it with a wheel, but it’s certainly much more enjoyable.
The right gear and racing setup makes a huge difference in your game performance and enjoyment. Read on to see our recommended gear for all budgets and experience levels.
Beginner F1 Wheel and Pedals: Logitech G29 / G923
If you’re on a tighter budget, or just want to get your first wheel at a lower cost, the Logitech G29 and Logitech G923 are great products. They are one of the most popular F1 gaming wheels and come as a set with pedals. The only difference between the two versions is their console support: G29 is for Playstation, G923 for Xbox, both work on PC.
Intermediate F1 bundle: Fanatec CSL DD + Formula V2.5
The Fanatec CSL DD Ready2Race Bundle (8 Nm) will provide the best bang for your buck for anyone who is not a hardcore or professional F1 game racer. It’s a fully featured wheel at the lowest price that doesn’t compromise on performance. It is an ideal starter wheel for the CSL DD. The 300 mm diameter is suitable for many vehicle types, and the lightweight construction retains fine force feedback detail even at low torque settings. The rubberised grip provides just the right amount of friction, and is comfortable to use for long sessions, even with sweaty hands.
Note that for Playstation you have to get the GT DD Pro bundle, as the normal CSL DD isn't compatible with Playstation.
Our upgrade pick for a higher, but still mid tier price, is the new ClubSport DD F1 Esports v2 bundle. It comes with a F1-style wheel which will make your F1 gaming experience so much more authentic. This is in fact the gear used by all drivers in the official Formula 1 Esports Sim Racing world championship!
If you want to leverage the best racing equipment out there, the Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 plus 15 Nm ClubSport DD+ Wheel Base Bundle enables a true esports-level experience. Its direct drive wheel base comes with the most realistic force feedback system. If you can afford it, this is a fantastic choice.
🆕 Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 + 15 Nm ClubSport DD+ Wheel Base Bundle(€1299.95)
Lastly, you also need to make sure that your new wheel and pedals are set up properly at home. Even the best steering wheel is no fun if it’s not mounted well and constantly slides back and forth.
Option 1: Table Clamp
If you’re just starting out, most wheels can be clamped to your desk. Just make sure that your wheel comes with a desk clamp. Also, for your pedals, you should have carpet or a similar surface under the desk, so that your pedals won’t slide on the floor.
Option 2: Wheel Stand
If your wheel doesn’t come with a table clamp, or you want a more sturdy setup, you can upgrade to a simple wheel stand. Most wheel stands let you not just fix your wheel, but also tie your pedals to the setup. This gives you a good basic setup, and you can simply use it with your existing gaming chair.
If you’re looking for a more realistic racing experience but have limited space available, we recommend one of the foldable racing cockpit options. They take up far less space at home and can also be stored elsewhere if you don’t need them.
Ready to go all-in? A proper, sturdy racing seat that's set up permanently provides the ultimate racing experience without compromises. There's no limit for your budget in this category. Our premium value-for-money pick is the 2024 new Fanatec CSL Cockpit, which provides a great experience at a reasonable price.