Sim-racing on consoles (Xbox and Playstation) has become increasingly easy, thanks to the adoption of these platforms by well-known brands. We can mention manufacturers who have been present on Playstation for many years: Logitech and Thrustmaster, with a whole range of peripherals compatible with the different generations of Sony consoles.
But it’s not just these two brands that are present in this segment of the sim-racing market, as Fanatec also offers products that work on both PC and Playstation. From bases, steering wheels and pedals to shifters and handbrakes, Fanatec’s range covers all the needs of virtual console racers.
As I’m sure you’re aware, motor sport encompasses a number of different disciplines. There’s a bit of everything for motorsport fans, from the premier discipline, Formula 1, to its US variant, IndyCar, with cars that may be less powerful, but go even faster in a straight line. There’s also rallying, endurance racing, GT racing, drifting and much more.
As sim-racing aims to be as close as possible to motor racing, there is also racing equipment for virtually all motor racing disciplines. Which brings us to today’s topic: steering wheels for F1 sim-racing. In what follows, we take a look at the best wheels you can use for Formula 1 racing on your PS5.
#1 Le Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel F1 Esports V2
Fanatec is a major player in the sim-racing industry, offering a comprehensive range of peripherals and equipment for all virtual motorsport disciplines. Among the steering wheels in the German manufacturer’s catalog is the ClubSport F1 Esports V2, which is officially licensed by the FIA.
The steering wheel is based on an anodized aluminum frame, with a diameter of 27 cm. The handles are in alcantara, and the steering wheel is open at the bottom. On the faceplate are the 13 controls, an OLED screen and a RevLED, and two magnetic paddles are located at the rear. Note that Fanatec sells a kit of 6 paddles (including 4 in carbon fiber) if you want to upgrade this steering wheel.
The ergonomics of the F1 Esports V2 are excellent for Formula 1 racing, and that’s to be expected, as the wheel is officially licensed by the FIA. My only criticism of the wheel is the alcantara grips. It’s a noble material, to be sure, but one that requires rigorous maintenance, and also the wearing of gloves during races to increase its lifespan.
Let’s move on to the retail price. The F1 Esports V2 retails for €240, and is compatible with Playstation 5 and PC. For the Sony console, make sure you have a compatible Fanatec base, such as the CSL GT DD Pro or ClubSport DD+.
#2 The Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5
Let’s move on to another of Fanatec’s F1 steering wheels. This is the ClubSport Formula V2.5, and also its X variant, which is 98% identical. This ClubSport features a racing-derived design, with a 5 mm-thick carbon fiber faceplate, aluminum backplate, perforated leather on the grips and a 27 cm diameter.
Visually, this steering wheel is discreet, with two dominant colors: black and white. Black covers the entire steering wheel, while white contrasts with the buttons and other controls. Speaking of controls, there are 22 in all, including 2 magnetic paddles at the rear. You can upgrade these paddles with a special Fanatec module sold separately, adding a total of 6 to your steering wheel.
The Formula V2.5’s ergonomics are superb, with buttons that can be accessed without the need for gymnastic hand movements. The small OLED screen displays useful race information, such as gear engaged, speed, etc. It’s configurable via the steering wheel directly on the PS5. It’s configurable via the steering wheel directly on the PS5, so you can change the display in the middle of a race. At the rear is Fanatec’s QR2, now standard on all the German brand’s steering wheels and bases.
Let’s finish with the price: the ClubSport Formula V2.5 costs €359.95, and its X version goes for €369.95, i.e. €10 more. The difference between the two is minimal: red replaces white on the faceplate, and you get alcantara on the grips instead of leather, with Xbox compatibility to boot. This wheel is perfect for F1 racing on the PS5, combining ergonomics, build quality and, above all, price. What’s more, this wheel is PS5 compatible, as are the ClubSport DD+ and GT DD Pro, giving you an excellent sim-racing driving experience.
#3 The Thrustmaster Ferrari SF-1000
Thrustmaster’s SF-1000 is a replica of the Ferrari Formula 1 steering wheel. The design of the SF-1000 is taken directly from the steering wheels on which it is based, with a carbon-fiber faceplate, 25 controls in all, including 4 aluminum paddles, a central 4.3″ screen displaying telemetry data and a downward-opening shape, with a RevLED on top.
This Thrustmaster and Ferrari-signed steering wheel is visually stunning, considerably enhancing racing immersion, especially if you’re a fan of Scuderia Ferrari. The grips are made of a TPU-type material that is honestly quite uncomfortable after long sim-racing sessions. In contact with the skin, you’ll sweat, so you’ll need to wear gloves if you’re going to be racing with this steering wheel for a long time.
Let’s move on to the rest of the setup. The SF-1000 is compatible with the PS5, but as far as the bases are concerned, you only have the T598, which is Direct Drive, and the rest of the Thrustmaster range is belt-drive only. You can tell me that the T818 is Direct Drive with a good motor, but it’s not compatible with Sony’s console. Which doesn’t leave you with much choice at Thrustmaster for immersive F1 racing, and that’s a bit of a shame, because this manufacturer has a great history in gaming, and also an SF-1000 sold at just €400.
#4 The Logitech RS Track Wheel + RS Wheel Hub
Logitech has long navigated the entry-level of sim-racing peripherals, whether on consoles or PCs. The Swiss brand was the Go-To for amateur racers who wanted a sim-racing setup just to have a better experience than with controllers.
The RS Track Wheel is a bare-bone wheel that’s part of Logitech’s catalog for its Direct Drive Pro Racing Wheel base. It’s been a long time coming, but better late than never.
Based on an aluminum frame and brushed finish, the RS Track Wheel boasts a minimalist design, with TPU all around the wheel, a flat bottom and an open top. It’s beautiful, I must say, and above all very sober, as is the Pro Racing wheel, and the resemblance is there too.
To use it, you’ll need the RS Wheel Hub, and also the Pro Racing base, as the wheel is bare-bone. The whole package will cost you around €240, depending on the hub configuration, to give you a wheel perfectly suited to F1, and also to GT if you’re a fan of this discipline. Also in the Logitech catalog, and in partnership with Momo, you have the SIM GT-RACER 290, which are more or less the same wheels in terms of design, but in different materials.
Which one to choose?
Of the 4 steering wheels we’ve just looked at, only Logitech and Fanatec offer viable options for sim-racing on PS5, thanks to their high-performance Direct Drive bases that are compatible with Sony’s console. Thrustmaster’s offer could be more immersive, but the bases don’t keep up with the competition in terms of performance.
If you want a great steering wheel for F1 racing, I think the ClubSport Esports and Formula V2.5 are perfect for that. As for Logitech’s offer, it’s more GT-oriented, but can do the trick in Formula too if you’re already in the Swiss brand’s ecosystem.
ClubSport Formula V2.5
The Best F1 Steering Wheel in 2025
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