F1 Race Car Simulators — My Experience (and What Real Drivers Actually Use)
The first time I sat in a high-end F1-style simulator, I finally understood why Formula 1 drivers spend hours in them every week. It wasn’t just a game — it was a full-body experience. And the crazy part? The home setups that many F1 drivers use are not that far away from what we can build today.
I’ve spent years testing different rigs, motion platforms, wheelbases, and software. I’ve also followed driver streams, interviews, engineering breakdowns — and even compared notes with friends who race competitively online. So here’s what I’ve learned about F1 simulators, from the factory-level systems to the home setups real drivers use.
The Two Simulators F1 Drivers Use
- Factory Team Simulator (multi-million dollar system)
- Home PC Sim Setup (surprisingly accessible)
They serve different purposes — one is for engineering and testing, the other is for sharpening driving skills and racecraft.
Popular F1-Style Simulator Rigs — Features, Reviews, Pros & Cons
1) Playseat Formula
A dedicated Formula-style cockpit that puts you into the classic “feet-forward, reclined” F1 driving position. The frame is solid, and the seat shape supports your shoulders and hips to prevent sliding around under braking.
User Feedback: People consistently mention that they feel “locked in” and more connected to the steering and pedals compared to GT-style seats.
Pros:
- Very accurate F1 seating position
- High comfort once adjusted correctly
- Compatible with most wheels and pedals
Cons:
- Not ideal if you switch between F1 and GT racing styles
- Takes more floor space than upright rigs
2) Next Level Racing F-GT (Formula & GT Convertible Cockpit)
This rig can switch between two seating styles: Formula reclined or upright GT. If you race multiple categories (F1, LMP, GT3, Drift, etc.), this flexibility is extremely useful.
User Feedback: Many reviewers say this cockpit helped them find their “perfect driving posture” because of its adjustability.
Pros:
- Works for both F1 and GT cars
- Highly adjustable seating and pedal angles
- Strong, stable frame
Cons:
- Takes time to switch between positions
- Heavier and bulkier than simpler rigs
3) Trak Racer TRX
A premium rig known for rigidity and adjustability. It supports direct-drive wheelbases and hydraulic or load-cell pedal sets without flexing.
User Feedback: Advanced sim racers mention that the TRX feels like a “forever rig” — something you don’t need to replace as you upgrade hardware.
Pros:
- Extremely rigid under heavy force feedback
- Supports Formula, GT, and Rally seating positions
- Future-proof for high-end hardware
Cons:
- Assembly takes time
- More expensive than beginner rigs
4) Playseat Trophy
A newer minimalist design that uses a suspended fabric seat. Surprisingly comfortable, and very stable for direct-drive setups. Works well for long races.
User Feedback: Many sim racers say the seat is more comfortable than it looks — especially over 2+ hour sessions.
Pros:
- Comfortable even in long endurance sessions
- No pressure points from traditional foam seats
- Good cockpit stiffness
Cons:
- Not a pure F1 seating shape
- Less adjustability in seat shape vs bucket seats
5) Custom 8020 Aluminum Profile Rigs (Trak Racer / Sim-Lab Style)
These rigs are built from modular aluminum extrusion — the same style many esports teams and even F1 drivers use at home. They’re customizable, rigid, and can mount any hardware you throw at them.
User Feedback: People who love tinkering and fine-tuning posture always gravitate to 8020 rigs.
Pros:
- Unlimited adjustability
- Strong enough for high-torque direct drive wheels
- Can be expanded over time (monitor mounts, shifters, motion, etc.)
Cons:
- Requires configuration and setup knowledge
- Not as “plug-and-play” as pre-shaped rigs
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you race mostly Formula cars: Playseat Formula
- If you race multiple categories: Next Level Racing F-GT or Trak Racer TRX
- If you want comfort for 2+ hour endurance sessions: Playseat Trophy
- If you want a rig you’ll never “outgrow”: 8020 Aluminum Profile rig
The right seat and cockpit change everything. Once your body is stable, your steering and braking consistency improve — and lap times drop.
1) Factory/Team F1 Simulators — The Serious Ones
Every F1 team has a professional simulator inside headquarters. These are the massive pods with wraparound screens or projection domes, hydraulic motion, and real-time telemetry engineers watching every lap.
They pull data from:
- Tire compound models
- Aerodynamic simulation (CFD + wind tunnel data)
- Car setup data from previous races
- Weather and track surface temperature
It is not a video game. It’s a physics lab that happens to look like a racing cockpit.
A friend who engineers in motorsport told me: “The F1 sim isn’t teaching the driver how to drive — it teaches how the car behaves.”
That’s a key difference.
2) The Home Setups That F1 Drivers Use
When F1 drivers are relaxing or keeping sharp between races, they usually use a PC sim racing rig just like many of us. No million-dollar platform needed.
Lando Norris: streams on iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione
Max Verstappen: races for Team Redline in iRacing
Charles Leclerc: has streamed F1 2021 + ACC
And no surprise — they use high-end gear.
The Hardware Real Drivers Use at Home
- Wheelbase: Simucube 2 Pro, Fanatec DD2, Asetek Invicta
- Pedals: Heusinkveld Ultimate+ / Asetek Forte / Simagic P2000
- Seat: Formula-style reclined seating rig (Playseat F1, Trak Racer F1, or custom extrusion rig)
- Display: Triple monitors or a 49″ ultrawide (Samsung G9) — some use VR
My brother’s reaction when trying my new DD wheel: “Oh my god — I’m not steering anymore… I’m just reacting.”
My friend who mostly drifts: “The brake pedal feel changed everything. I didn’t know how much I was guessing before.”
My dad, after trying F1 in VR: “This feels like flying a jet cockpit — not a video game.”
The Software They Use
- iRacing — competitive online racing
- Assetto Corsa Competizione — best tire feel + GT cars
- Assetto Corsa (modded) — custom physics, laser-scanned tracks
- F1 23 / F1 24 — mostly for casual fun or streaming events
Max Verstappen: uses iRacing for online league racing.
Lando Norris: same — plus ACC for GT racing.
How Close Does It Really Feel?
When your rig is properly set up — especially the brake pedal and steering force feedback — the mental and physical demands feel real.
You learn:
- Trail braking instead of stabbing the brakes
- Throttle modulation to avoid spin on exit
- Corner rhythm and track memory
- Racecraft — overtaking, defending, timing
You can’t feel G-forces like in a factory simulator — but everything else? It’s shockingly close.
My Final Thoughts
F1 drivers practice on two worlds:
- The factory simulator for engineering and setup
- The home sim racing rig for skill refinement and race sharpness
And if you’re building your own rig, here’s the inspiring part:
You can build a home setup that feels very close to what professional drivers use when they’re not in the factory.
Once you’ve driven a well-tuned sim — especially with a direct drive wheel and load-cell or hydraulic brakes — you stop playing the game and start feeling the car.
That’s when sim racing stops being a hobby… and starts being driving.
Let’s stay with sim racing cockpits for more news, products, reviews, and guides.
My name is Michael “Mick” Carter, and I’m a dedicated sim racing enthusiast with a deep love for motorsport. I first discovered sim racing in 2015 when a friend introduced me to a Logitech G27 and Assetto Corsa—an experience that immediately hooked me. Since then, I’ve gone from basic gear to advanced direct drive setups, VR headsets, and custom racing rigs, constantly refining my driving technique and equipment.
I mainly race in iRacing, ACC, and rFactor 2, focusing on GT3 endurance and open-wheel events. I’m not a professional driver—I’m simply someone who enjoys the craft of racing: learning car behavior, improving lap times, and battling for position with respect and skill.
I share what I’ve learned so others can build setups they enjoy and grow their own passion for sim racing. For me, the joy is in improving, one race at a time.