I don’t really need to introduce you to the brand Fanatec if you’re a fan of sim-racing, and if you’re not familiar with it, to put it simply: this German manufacturer has more or less dominated the world market for the last twenty years. Not only is its catalog well-stocked, but there’s no shortage of experience for the brand, which has been present in the segment since the late 90s.

Although Fanatec sees itself as a general sim-racing peripherals manufacturer, the brand does have some premium and high-end products, notably the Podium series. In this range, everything is designed to appeal to screen racing drivers: we have bases developing 20 and 25 nm of torque, officially licensed Porsche and BMW steering wheels, peripherals and accessories largely inspired by racing, and so on. It’s really complete, except for the pedalboards, but Fanatec already offers some excellent ones in its ClubSport.

Speaking of the ClubSport range, the German manufacturer has just released a bundle including a 15 nm torque DD base and a steering wheel straight out of F1. It’s the ClubSport Racing Wheel F1, and I’m going to tell you everything I think about it in what follows.

Main and technical features of the bundle

• Carbon-fiber steering wheel with a diameter of 27 cm
• Officially licensed F1 steering wheel
• ClubSport DD+ base with 15 nm of constant torque
• PC and Playstation compatible
• QR2 aluminum rear
• Small one-inch LED display with RevLED
• Forged carbon fiber finish with blue accent
• 11 buttons, 2 rotary switches, 3 encoders, 1 joystick and 1 FunkySwitch
• Electronically controlled 2520° angle of rotation
• Premium leather handles
• 2 magnetic rear paddles

ClubSport F1 design

Those already familiar with the Fanatec catalog will immediately notice that the steering wheel in this bundle looks very similar to the ClubSport Formula V2.5. And to be honest, it’s practically the same, with a few exceptions. The overall shape of the steering wheel is the same, with virtually the same design, except for the carbon fiber front plate and control stickers.

As for the carbon fiber, it’s now forged with blue accents. It’s really beautiful, and enhances the wheel’s minimalist design. As for the stickers, they’re white, which gives the wheel a sober look. I think, and this is just me, that it’s better this way.

The base of this bundle is none other than the ClubSport DD+, with a design that echoes that of the CSL DD, only bigger. We still have the cylindrical shape with fins all over the surface of the base, with some Fanatec logos in white.

Customized assembly

For mounting the DD+, you have Fanatec’s standard bottom and side mounting options. However, you also have the option of mounting it using the Table Clamp from the ClubSport range. According to the brand, this clamp can handle the torque of the DD+, and after a few tests, this is the case. On the other hand, there’s a bit of movement and you risk not only damaging your furniture (desk, table, etc.), but there’s also a good chance of hurting your back as you’ll be sitting on a gaming chair that isn’t fixed. In my opinion, this base should only be used in conjunction with a cockpit or stand.

Let’s move on to the steering wheel in this bundle. As the base is supplied with the QR2 Base Side, the steering wheel incorporates its new Wheel Side. To install it, simply pull the ring, align the steering wheel, paying attention to the connection pins (the little metal pins), install the steering wheel and release the ring. It’s quick and the connection is very solid.

Manufacturing and finishing

The DD+ base uses aluminum for the cabinet, with front and rear covers. The finish is exemplary, flawless even at the joints. And the same applies to the entire cabinet.

The steering wheel uses aluminum for the Back Plate and forged carbon fiber for the Front Plate. Here again, build quality and finish are exemplary, far superior to the competition at the same price level. What’s more, Fanatec uses premium leather on the handles, and it’s lightly perforated.

Getting started with the bundle

This steering wheel is officially licensed for F1, with a diameter of 27 cm. The handles are not open, which means they attach to the faceplate. Grip-wise, it’s great; the handles are bigger than those found on other steering wheels from the brand, which really makes driving a pleasure, especially on long sim-racing sessions.

As for the buttons, they’re well positioned all over the steering wheel, which is also adorned with 2 paddles at the rear. Honestly, for the price of the bundle, I’d have preferred to have at least 4 paddles, as 2 is too few for GT, endurance or even F1 racing in full immersion mode. How are you going to manage the clutch, Launch Control and all the rest? Well, Fanatec has the solution in the form of a Podium paddle module offering 6 paddles for an extra €180.

Sensations during play

It’s time to get to grips with the in-game sensations of this bundle. The short version: it’s pure bliss, and you can clearly feel that Fanatec has spent a great deal of time fine-tuning its new base to face up to the competition from Simagic and Moza Racing. And the long version: the motor is thrilling, powerful, superbly well dosed once correctly parameterized, yet not at all saturating. With this all-new DD+ engine, the 15 nm of constant torque are present throughout the entire range of effects, from light to subtle, from heavy to blatant. You’ll feel everything the car in front of you does, from a simple loss of grip, to trajectory changes, movements and mass transfers. You’ll also feel at the wheel when the car starts to get a bit playful at the rear, ABS interventions, different track surfaces and just about everything in between.

On the other hand, you’ll need a little time to set up this new DD+ base correctly. It’s not like a CSL DD, which is more or less Plug & Play. The DD+ is so capable of delivering excellent racing sensations, that it requires several settings according to your driving preferences.

ClubSport F1 compatibility

On paper, the base is PS and PC compatible, as is this new steering wheel. In fact, Playstation controls can be found on the faceplate. However, it is theoretically possible to use it on Xbox, provided you have a wheel compatible with Microsoft’s console. The experience will be random and sometimes temperamental, to say the least, but it works.

As far as Fanatec titles and other products are concerned, this bundle will work with practically everything currently on the market.

Value for money

The ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 bundle retails for €1,300 incl. VAT on the Fanatec website, which is frankly very good value for money if you ask me. Admittedly, it’s more expensive than a base + flywheel combo from Moza or Simagic with the same power level, but the DD+ spits out 15 nm in constant, something the Alpha and R16 can’t boast: their maximum torque is at peak.

My verdict on Fanatec’s Clubsport Racing Wheel F1 Bundle

As far as I’m concerned, this ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 bundle is excellent in every way. Powerful and faithful reproduction of effects: check. Build quality: check. Highly customizable peripherals: check. Fanatec aura: check.

If you can afford it and are an F1 fan, you can buy it with your eyes shut. And if you’ve still got a bit of budget left over after buying a ClubSport Pedals V3 (at least €400), pick up the Podium paddle module to dive even deeper into Formula.