Die-hard enthusiasts, insatiable lovers of elite hardware, here’s something to raise your eyebrows about. SimLab’s new Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 steering wheel is now unveiled by the brand. So let’s calm down right away, the replica of Hamilton and Russell’s F1 steering wheel is offered at what might be considered an ultra-luxury price. But as they say, passion has its reasons that reason ignores (well, I think that’s it?). So, let’s take a look at this new model, with its impeccable looks, for well-filled wallets!
The Mercedes-AMG Petronas (2024) SimLab steering wheel in brief
What does the SimLab F1 Mercedes-AMG Petronas (2024) steering wheel look like?
| Diameter Weight | 28cm, 1,240Kg. |
| Materials | Carbon fiber, aluminum, plastic. |
| Grips | Silicone |
| Paddles | Mono-magnetic (Rocker-type) carbon-fiber paddle shifters, 1 adjustable analog clutch paddle. |
| Vane noise | NC |
| Customizable buttons | 12 configurable front buttons, 2 configurable rear buttons, 6 rotary encoders (12 positions to be confirmed) at thumb level, 3 16-position rotary selectors in the center of the steering wheel. Total: 74 to 134 functions. To be confirmed in the coming days. |
| Lap counter | 15 configurable LEDs |
| Flag display | 6 configurable LEDs 4 additional configurable LEDs |
| Screen | 1 x 4.3″ display. |
| Quick Release | Aluminum HUB with 3x70mm center distance. |
| Compatibility | PC – All bases on the market with QR sold separately. |
| Price | 2670.76€ incl. VAT (French VAT at 20%) |
Design and ergonomics
To create this F1 simracing steering wheel, SimLab collaborated with its long-standing partner, Mercedes-AMG Petronas. The result is nothing less than an almost exact copy of the steering wheel that will equip the team’s Formula 1 cars in 2024.
Whether in terms of materials, design or functionality, the aim was above all to replicate as closely as possible the experience of having a real F1 steering wheel in your pocket.
And in terms of functionality, there’s plenty to spare. In addition to the 14 configurable buttons (2 of which are on the rear panel above the paddles), there are no less than 6 thumb-operated rotary encoders. Then there are 3 16-position rotary encoders in the center of the steering wheel.
All this is joined by 6 flag LEDs, 4 configurable LEDs and 15 turn-count LEDs framing the 4.3″ display, which is imposing on the steering wheel, which is “only” 28cm in diameter.
Weight-wise, it’s a pleasant surprise! Steering wheels equipped with screens often weigh in at just over 1.4Kg… But that’s not the case here. At just 1.240Kg (excluding QR), it’s exactly the same weight as the Rexing Mayaris 2 we tested a few weeks ago.
In the box :
- SimLab Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team Sim Racing Steering Wheel (2024).
- 2 sticker sheets for customizing the steering wheel’s functions.
- USB cable / 6-pin aviation plug (length not specified).
- Tool kit (contents not specified).
- Installation kit (contents unspecified).
On to the paddles
On the paddle side, we find a rare single-paddle carbon-fiber rocker (push-pull) for shifting gears. And for the clutch, a single adjustable paddle with a large ergonomic pad for easy handling… Or should I say, finger grip. Incidentally, this cup is replaceable to ensure maximum adjustment to your finger morphology.
Installing the SimLab F1 Mercedes Petronas on any base
To install your steering wheel on the base of your choice, the SimLab is equipped with an aluminum HUB with a 3x70mm center distance. This means you can mount almost any Quick Release on the market. Connection to the PC is via a cable with an aviation mount on the steering wheel side to prevent it from being ripped off, and a USB mount on the PC side.
As always, be careful if you choose to mount it on a Fanatec base. You’ll need either the Podium HUB to ensure that your base activates its force feedback. Or a Sim Racing Machine (SRM) adapter.
A plug for adapting directly to the QR
A little curiosity that caught my eye: SimLab has provided a plug for electronically connecting the steering wheel directly to a Quick Release. So the big question is “which brand will benefit from this?”. Perhaps the Asetek Quick Release which already equips a number of independent steering wheel brands?
Simhub and RaceDirector for display settings
To take advantage of the display and configure your LEDs, you have the choice of using either SimHub or SimLab’s RaceDirector software. The idea, of course, is to modulate the displays precisely according to your desires and needs on the track. With SimHub, there’s no mystery: as always, everything is possible, so I’m waiting to see what the options on RaceDirector will be like.
In any case, whatever software you use, you’ll be entitled to displays and LED profiles specifically created to replicate those used in the real Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 cars. It goes without saying!
My expectations of the SimLab Mercedes F1 steering wheel
This steering wheel is obviously aimed at a very select group within the simracing world. It’s likely to be found in the hands of professional drivers and eSport teams (it’s already fitted to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas eSport team, of course). This is not a product designed for the global market, but more as a showcase for know-how. And who knows, maybe this know-how could be applied to more affordable versions in the future? But I’m obviously speculating here. So back to my daydreaming.
If you’d like us to do a full test of this steering wheel, don’t hesitate to say so in the comments, and I’ll pass on your complaints to the right people so that we can take it apart for you, from the screws to the LEDs!
