Sim-racing setups cover more or less all motorsport disciplines. There’s Formula racing, rally racing, endurance racing and much more. The reason is quite simple: each virtual driver has his or her own preferences in terms of sim-racing, and the setup follows the same trajectory.

For a “standard” sim-racing set-up, you’ll find common elements, namely a Direct Drive base, steering wheel and pedals. Those seeking maximum immersion will add a cockpit depending on the discipline raced, or one that can be easily adapted to several motorsport disciplines. In the jargon, we call this type of chassis “hybrid”, or modular, because they are designed to offer several types of seating.

Motorsport’s premier discipline is also present in sim-racing, and in force I must say. Virtually every manufacturer of virtual racing peripherals has an F1 range in its catalog, whether in terms of steering wheels, chassis or pedals.

Since Formula racing is so popular, we thought it only right to present you with a list of the best sim-racing setups for the F1 category at 2025. This list will mainly touch 3 budgets, namely one for less than €1,500, one for less than €3,000, and finally one for the very best, but still “reasonable”. Before you cry foul, each setup includes a base, F1 steering wheel, pedals and chassis, so it’s a complete package.

F1 entry-level setups

The CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race F1 bundle from Fanatec

Fanatec has been a major player in the sim-racing industry for over 20 years. The German brand offers an extensive range of driving simulation peripherals, especially steering wheels. There are also ready-to-use bundles, including some specially selected for F1 racing.

Among these, we have the CSL DD Ready2Race F1. It includes the CSL DD 8 nm torque base, the officially licensed Formula steering wheel which is open at the bottom, and also the CSL Pedals Load Cell pedalboard with 3 pedals.

The steering wheel is truly Formula-style, with its rectangular shape and 27 cm diameter, open at the bottom and 13 controls on the faceplate. In addition, Fanatec has added a small OLED display to show vehicle telemetry data, such as gear, speed, etc. Only 2 paddles are located at the rear of the steering wheel, but they’ll do the trick if you’re just starting out in sim-racing.

The CSL DD base is equipped with QR2 and a boost kit that delivers a maximum power output of 8 nm of torque, enough to get the most out of single-seaters. And as for the pedals, the CSL Pedals are equipped with 3 pedals and Load Cell on the brake, in addition to halls sensors.

Let’s move on to the checkout. For this entry, we’re opting for a chassis from Playseat, the Formula Instinct. The bundle is available from Fanatec for €740, bringing the total to around €1,350.

The Moza R9 V3 bundle, with KS steering wheel and SR-P crankset

Moza began its sim-racing adventure a few years ago, but the brand has rapidly gained momentum and global market share. It has to be said that their products are high-quality, high-performance and, above all, aggressively priced, not to mention the diversification of the simulation range which now includes aviation and trucks.

For entry-level F1, we have the R9 V3 bundle with KS steering wheel and SR-P crankset. The base is an upgraded version of the R9, developing the same power, namely 9 nm of max torque. That’s more than enough for F1 racing without blowing your budget.

The KS steering wheel is Moza’s budget-friendly offering for Formula racing. It’s a fairly simple steering wheel in design, incorporating 17 controls on the faceplate, 4 paddles on the rear and a RevLED. The diameter of the KS is 30 cm, with closed handles, which should help with ergonomics.

Finally, the SR-P pedalboard. Here, it’s a quality device, made entirely of metal and Load Cell, making it perfect for F1. And that brings us to the chassis to complete the setup. We’re keeping the same as before, namely the Playseat Formula Instinct, which is just the right balance of immersion, build quality and price.

Speaking of expenses, this setup will cost you around €1300, including almost €700 for Moza products.

F1 mid-range setups

The Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 + CSL Elite bundle

Once again, Fanatec is on the list with a Ready2Race bundle for F1 fans. And for the mid-range, we’re stepping up the DD base. Here, we take the ClubSport DD+ with its 15 nm of constant torque, and it’s coupled with an F1-licensed steering wheel of course, and carbon fiber for the faceplate.

Fanatec’s DD+ is a relatively recent base, and has enabled the brand to fill a colossal gap in its range, that of peripherals developing between 12 and 16 nm of torque. The F1 wheel, with its rectangular shape and large red logo in the center, is also well-served in terms of feel.

For the pedalboard, Fanatec has chosen to include the CSL Elite in Load Cell on this bundle. It’s a good pedalboard, yes, but it’s not the brand’s best. In terms of price, the bundle costs €1,650, to which must be added the cost of the chassis, which can be that of the entry-level Playseat Formula Instinct, or the €1,000 Playset Formula.

Simagic Alpha Evo 12 nm, FX Pro Formula and P1000 pedalboard

Mid-range sim-racing is the most popular segment of the discipline for the simple reason that it’s the middle ground in terms of DD base power. Speaking of which, Simagic has just launched a new range of bases called Evo, from 9 nm torque up to 18 nm, and I’ve taken the 12 nm version for this bundle.

This one has a minimalist design, if you omit the RGB on the drive shaft, and performance that’s very good in Formula 1. Coupled with the base, you needed a quality steering wheel for the discipline, and nothing better than the FX Pro with its largely F1-inspired design. This steering wheel incorporates a large screen in the center for telemetry, 6 paddles and 23 controls in all, making it perfect for the discipline.

When it comes to cranksets, the P1000 takes on this mission. Sleek design, Load Cell, and all-metal construction. What more could you ask for? Well, nothing really. Let’s move on to the price of this bundle. The whole thing costs around €1,600, and then there’s the cost of the chassis, which, like the previous setup, can be either the Playseat Formula Instinct or the Playseat Formula.

Top-of-the-range F1 setups

Fanatec Podium DD2, ClubSport Formula V2.5 and ClubSport Pedals V3

Let’s move on to the bulk of the segment, namely Fanatec’s top-of-the-range products. Here we find the ClubSport Formula V2.5, a wheel much appreciated for its build quality, numerous controls and premium feel. It’s a stiff, responsive wheel, perfectly suited to modern single-seaters and GTs, with excellent feedback thanks to its metal paddles and highly ergonomic button layout.

For the base, it’s none other than the Podium DD2 and its 25 nm of torque that will be balanced between your hands. Expect total immersion with this device, which is paired with ClubSport Pedals V3, one of the best LC pedalboards on the market.

For the price, the whole thing should come in at around €2,300, without chassis. And to take full advantage of such a setup, I recommend opting for the Playseat Formula Pro. This is a rigid cockpit designed specifically for single-seater-type driving positions, offering excellent stability and even greater immersion with bases as powerful as the DD2.

Simucube GSI x Sport/Pro bundle, + Fanatec crankset

Simucube is a major brand in the sim-racing industry, both in terms of products and innovation, and this is reflected in the many partnerships they have with motorsport teams.

For an F1 setup, you have 2 choices: the Formula-type GSI flywheel, the ClubSport V3 as Simucube only has one active crankset in its range, and the base you take the Simucube 2 Sport and its 17 nm of torque, or the 2 Pro and its 25 nm of torque. It’s up to you to see if it fits your budget.

Speaking of money, this bundle is expensive. Expect to pay between €3,100 and €3,300, depending on the base you choose, which makes it the most expensive on the list, without the chassis, which could also be the Playseat Formula.