The SimLab brand is especially popular in the premium segment for its cockpits, even if its options are not the most expensive. It seems that this manufacturer has a very atypical approach to sim-racing. But that’s not the point.

SimLab has just announced its first sim-racing wheel, in partnership with its F1 team, and not just any F1 team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas. If that’s not hard-hitting, I don’t know what is. In the rest of this article, we’ll take a look at the information available on SimLab’s brand-new F1 steering wheel.

Design and dimensions

As for the design, F1 and Mercedes-AMG Petronas fans will recognize it immediately, as it’s simply the official replica of the wheel used in Hamilton’s and Russell’s single-seaters. There’s a huge screen in the middle, with controls all around it.

It’s beautiful, full of color, and typically F1 in design. In terms of dimensions, the wheel is 28 cm in diameter, with a rectangular shape.

Materials and build quality

SimLab’s steering wheel uses carbon fiber, aluminum and a few plastic components. It’s very premium, and I’d expect nothing less given that it’s an official replica of an F1 steering wheel. As for build quality, there will be no defects or poorly assembled parts. Once again, this is perfectly normal, and above all justifiable given the price at which this little gem is sold.

Steering wheel ergonomics

On the front, there are 12 buttons, 3 encoders and 6 rotary switches, all in different colors. We also have the massive RevLED display in the center. At the rear, there are 4 paddles, including 2 push-pull gear shifters, and 2 other buttons.

The ergonomics of the SimLab steering wheel are excellent, with all controls accessible without your hands leaving the grips, except for the 3 encoders. What’s more, the use of carbon fiber and aluminum means that the steering wheel weighs in at just 1.24 kg. Honestly, that’s not very heavy, but neither is it very light for a sim-racing steering wheel.

Compatibility with sim-racing bases

At the rear, just below the paddles, there’s a triangle that acts as a hub, with a 3×70 mm mounting pattern. As a result, this hub is compatible with virtually every Quick Release available on the market, and therefore with the bases that go with them. As for connection to the PC – yes, it’s all PC – there’s a cable coming out the back of the steering wheel, terminating in USB.

Prices and potential customers

Retailing at €2,700, this steering wheel is ultra-expensive, and will find its way into the setups of a very elitist audience, and eSports too. As they say: passion is priceless.