Fanatec is a major player in the sim-racing industry, offering a range of products for all virtual pilots, whatever their level. Active for over 20 years, the German brand has adapted to the global market with quality, high-performance products.
Since last summer, Fanatec has been in fine form, if I may say so, and the brand has even unveiled new products and peripherals. These include steering wheels, bases, a cockpit and a host of other peripherals. Which brings us to today’s topic: steering wheels. More specifically, F1 steering wheels.
Fanatec has over fifty steering wheels in its catalog, covering a wide range of disciplines. There’s Formula, GT, endurance, rally and touring, not to mention classic wheels. It’s a comprehensive catalogue, and I have to admit, it’s easy to get lost.
If you’re looking for Formula wheels sold by Fanatec to build or complete a sim-racing setup, the brand offers 4 in its catalog: 1 barebone (wheel only) and 3 full option. We’ll take a closer look at them in what follows.
#1 ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5
The ClubSport Formula V2.5 steering wheel is specific to the Formula range from Fanatec. Based on an aluminum back-plate and a carbon-fiber faceplate, the design is gorgeous as far as I’m concerned, yet sober in absolute terms (only black and white are used on the front of the steering wheel).
The wheel diameter is 27 cm, which puts it in the middle of F1-type steering wheels; neither too big nor too small, with a rectangular shape. The grips are in perforated leather, with controls scattered all around. In all, there are 20 controls (knob, encoder, rotary switch) and 2 magnetic and aluminum paddles at the rear, enough to set F1 25 lap times. There’s also a small OLED screen in the center of the steering wheel, with a two-tone RevLED just above it. At the rear, the QR2 replaces the QR, as this ClubSport steering wheel has been in Fanatec’s catalog for some years.
Let’s move on to compatibility. Depending on the Direct Drive base you have, the ClubSport Formula V2.5 can be used on PC and Playstation. In terms of price, this wheel retails for €359.95 on the Fanatec website, which isn’t too shabby considering the wheel’s build quality and finish. However, availability is sometimes capricious, as the Formula V2.5 is a popular wheel at Fanatec.
#2 ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X
The second steering wheel on this list is the ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X, a slightly more premium variant of the Formula V2.5. What’s the difference? Not much, to be honest. Apart from the red accent that replaces the white, the Xbox-colored buttons that are actually caps and can be removed, the alcantara on the grips and the RevLED that takes on an extra color; the ClubSport Formula V2.5 and V2.5 X are basically identical.
In terms of price, the Formula V2.5 X version is only €10 more expensive than the standard version, at €369.95. Personally, I would have preferred to have 4 rear paddles instead of 2 on this steering wheel, at the expense of a higher retail price. That’s just my opinion, and the Fanatec range of F1 steering wheels unfortunately doesn’t include wheels with more than 2 paddles.
#3 ClubSport Steering Wheel F1 Esports V2
The third steering wheel in this ranking is the ClubSport F1 Esports V2. This steering wheel is officially licensed for F1, with a minimalist design. The faceplate is made from aluminum, which is CNC machined. Both grips are made of high-quality alcantara, and the steering wheel is open at the bottom.
The driving position is slightly different from that of the 09H15, giving it excellent ergonomics. Speaking of which, the steering wheel features 13 controls and 2 aluminum rear paddles that are magnetic for ease of use and, above all, reliability.
This steering wheel also incorporates a RevLED and a small OLED display just above the Fanatec logo in the center. The screen is used to display telemetry data, such as speed, gear or whatever else you want to know.
The ClubSport F1 Esports V2 is compatible with both PC and Playstation, provided you have the right base for Sony’s console. Speaking of bases, the wheel also comes with Fanatec’s new QR2, which is intended, in time, to replace the old one. This means you’ll need to either have a base with the new Quick Release or purchase the QR2 Base Side.
Let’s finish with the price and for whom this steering wheel is intended. The ClubSport F1 Esports V2 normally retails for €340, but at the time of writing is trading for €240. For drivers, the ClubSport F1 Esports V2 is perfect for those with good sim-racing experience, especially Esport racers.
#4 The ClubSport Wheel Rim Sparco Formula
Let’s finish with a barebone wheel. Fanatec has collaborated with Sparco on several wheels, including this ClubSport. The wheel is 27 cm in diameter, with an open-top shape and a flat bottom. The structure uses anodized aluminum with a brushed design on the faceplate.
Speaking of the faceplate, there’s the Fanatec “F” in the center, and Sparco on the lower part of the wheel. High-quality alcantara is used all around, with a natural 09H15 driving position. This wheel is ideal for sim-racing fans who already own other Fanatec wheels. As I mentioned above, the wheel is barebone, but you can attach hubs to it, including the Podium. These hubs fit on the back of the wheel, but you’ll need to purchase them separately. And speaking of cost, the ClubSport Wheel Rim Sparco Formula retails for €159.95 on the Fanatec site, making it the cheapest option on this list.
Which one to choose?
The choice of a sim-racing peripheral is often linked to the budget you have available, and also to your level of driving. Apart from the Sparco, which has an atypical shape compared with the others on this list, your choice will inevitably fall on the ClubSport F1 Esport V2 or Formula V2.5/X.
If your level of sim-racing is good, with notable Formula experience, I’d advise you to go with the ClubSport Formula V2.5 or V2.5 X depending on your personal preferences in terms of design and platform.
But if you’re new to the sport, you’d be better off with the ClubSport F1 Esport V2, as it’s less expensive than the others, especially at promotional times. As for the Sparco, it’s still a fine wheel to add to your F1 wheel collection.
Clubsport Formula V2.5
The best F1 Fanatec steering wheel in 2025
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