Fanatec F1 ESports wheel V2

Our rating : 9.8/10

I no longer need to introduce Fanatecthe German manufacturer of sim-racing peripherals with extensive experience in the game. The Fanatec story began a long time ago, with products that were of excellent quality at the time. Today, it’s still the same, with state-of-the-art sim-racing peripherals and almost total immersion.

If you want to satisfy the needs of every sim-racer in the world, you need to have a complete catalog of products, and that’s the case for Fanatec. In terms of wheels alone, the brand has over 40 entries in its catalog, each more beautiful than the last, and all very unique too. You’ve got wheels for WRC, F1, Formula, GT, Nascar, official replica wheels and the list goes on. It’s a really, really complete catalog, and I’m not talking about bases, cranksets, shifters, etc., that’s a whole other subject.

When it comes to wheels, or steering wheels if you like, there’s something for everyone at FanatecAnd all budgets too. Today, we’re going to take a look at a steering wheel from the ClubSport range, the F1 Esports V2. I’ll tell you about its strengths and weaknesses, and give you my opinion.

Main and technical characteristics of the wheel

• Official F1 steering wheel replica
• 27 cm diameter
• Metal frame with alcantara on handles
• Metal QR
• Magnetic aluminum pallets
• Weight approx. 1.25 kg
• A RevLED and a display
• 11 buttons, 1 funky switch and 1 joystick
• 2 integrated vibration motors
• Compatible with PC and Playstation

Design

On the design of F1 Esports V2I really don’t have much to say. The steering wheel is an official replica of an F1 wheel, and the entire structure, which is made of metal, is black. Most of the buttons are black, with a few having color accents (yellow, red and blue). All in all, it’s a sober design that will go perfectly with any sim-racing setup.

On the handles, Fanatec has used real alcantara, which gives an excellent effect, both premium and beautiful. Behind the steering wheel, there are 2 magnetic paddles in standard configuration, but you can upgrade with the Advanced Paddle podium which includes 6 in all. The great thing about Fanatec products is that you can customize them as you see fit.

Customized assembly

The assembly of the F1 Esports V2 is achieved using the metal QR1 from Fanatec which offers strength, rigidity and zero play when attached to a base. Attaching the steering wheel is very simple: pull the ring, align the steering wheel with the base, taking care not to twist the connection pins, push the steering wheel into the QR on the base side and then release the ring.

Speaking of base, the F1 Esports V2 can be mounted on all those sold by Fanatec, namely the CSL DDthe Podium DD1 and DD2 and the ClubSport Wheel Base V2 and V2.5. It’s pretty complete, well actually it’s very complete, because this steering wheel is compatible with all the bases of Fanatec.

Manufacturing and finishing

Once again, the German manufacturer of sim-racing peripherals brings us a premium steering wheel. On the menu: metal, aluminum and alcantara on the F1 Esports V2. It’s not only beautiful, but superbly well finished too.

The finish is simply perfect, in every respect. Whether it’s the metal frame, the alcantara handles or the aluminum paddles, everything is perfect. Even the screw holes at the rear are superbly finished, without burrs or anything else. The F1 Esports V2 is an excellent wheel, as we’ve become accustomed to seeing with Fanatec products.

Handling the wheel

In terms of handling, it’s as usual: a premium steering wheel, very well thought out at the design stage. Since the F1 Esports V2 is an official replica of an F1 wheel, so ergonomics are excellent. All controls are fingertip-accessible, without your hands leaving the steering wheel.

The paddles at the rear of the standard version are easily accessible and a good size. What’s more, you can upgrade to the Podium module and add 4 more paddles. By the way, these are magnetic (standard and upgrade), so you’ll get an excellent feel for shifting gears.

The RevLED is well placed, in the center and above the LED screen. On this point, I’d have liked an OLED one, but it’s still better than nothing. The figures are very clear and you’ll have no trouble reading what’s displayed on them.

Sensations during play

Let’s move on to the most interesting subject of this test: the feel of the F1 Esports V2. Once installed on its base, you’ll feel that this wheel is extremely solid, not moving at all, and is also light for its class, even though it’s not made of carbon fiber like other Fanatec wheels.

As I said earlier, the F1 Esports V2 is superbly easy to handle, thanks to its F1-inspired ergonomics. Your hands are naturally placed in a neutral position, easily reaching all the steering wheel controls. Its size is quite good, even if it’s a little small for my taste (27 cm in diameter). However, its particular shape makes it easy to grip, and you won’t feel any discomfort with it.

The display in the middle will show you some data, but don’t expect it to be very complete, just like the RevLED. Incidentally, I’m not a big fan of the latter, as the LEDs illuminate towards one side only, rather than both sides to join up in the middle.

Although the F1 Esports V2 has its little faults, as does virtually any other steering wheel, but it’s nonetheless very good in terms of the feel your base will produce (it won’t filter anything at all). Ah, one last positive point is its metal QR, which eliminates the dead zones and fairly regular disconnections of the plastic QR1 Lite. Thanks Fanatec.

Compatibility

This steering wheel is compatible with virtually all Fanatec bases, from the CSL DD to the Podium DD1 and DD2, and everything in between. The German manufacturer is known for having a very complete ecosystem, using the same fastening/mounting systems.

In terms of platforms, the F1 Esports V2 only works on PC and Playstation. It’s a bit of a shame in my opinion, but that’s the way it is. If you’re on Xbox, Fanatec offers the McLaren GT3 V2 for this console, to be taken with the metal QR1 to avoid any dead zone or disconnection.

Value for money

Priced at €269.95, the F1 Esports V2 is an excellent wheel for amateurs and sim-racing professionals looking for a wheel for F1 or Formula racing in general. With top-quality workmanship, solid, premium materials, excellent steering wheel customization and unrivalled ergonomics, the F1 Esports V2 is a great choice for your setup.

My verdict

Fanatec shuttlecocks have always had a reputation for being good peripherals, no matter which range you choose. From the budget-friendly CSLs to the ClubSports and Podiums, you’ll always find what you’re looking for at Fanatec.

Visit F1 Esports V2 is a must-have for Formula sim racers. Its attractive price, excellent build quality and perfect ergonomics make it a formidable weapon for any racer. The F1 Esports V2 is a steering wheel I highly recommend for all sim-racers. For the price, it’s a complete package. Not perfect, but definitely complete and ticks as many boxes as possible.