F1 24 is just around the corner, with a release date scheduled for May 31 (May 28 for pre-order bonuses). On the agenda this year? A new vehicle handling system and a career mode that puts you in the shoes of current and legendary drivers. So, as we do every year, we take a look at the best sim racing steering wheels for playing F1 24 on both home consoles and PC. So which models stand out this year? We take a look together!
What do I need to drive F1 24?
Well, that depends on your expectations, your budget and your gaming platform. In concrete terms, the list is pretty short:
- A wheelbase, preferably Direct Drive, if budget allows, for maximum precision, responsiveness, and fun on the track.
- A Formula-type steering wheel. Because a round steering wheel for F1 has been out of fashion for some years now.
- And finally, a pedalset equipped with a Load Cell brake. Because your braking is THE #1 part of your performance to be fast on the track.
F1 24 steering wheels compatible with PlayStation 5
Peak torque: 3.9Nm
Steering wheel attachment system: Slow Release TM
Ferrari F1 wheel : 147€
T-LCM : 200€
Total : 587€
Peak torque: 8Nm
Steering wheel attachment system: Quick Release QR1 (changeable to QR2)
ClubSport F1 Esports V2 : 219,95€
Pedalset CSL LC : 199,95€
Total : 1019,85€
Peak torque: 15Nm
Steering wheel attachment system: Quick Release QR2
Pedalset CSL LC : 199,95€
Total : 1499,90€
Thrustmaster T300 and Ferrari F1 Wheel
For many years, the Thrustmaster T300 wheelbase was one of the best-selling bases in the world. With its 3.9Nm of torque, its belt drive between motor and steering shaft and its Slow Release steering wheel attachment system, it was a must-have until 2021. Then came the Direct Drives available to the general public. Since then, the T300 has inevitably lost some of its lustre. But if you’re on a very tight budget, it’s still a good choice. It can be found cheaply second-hand. New, it’s on offer for 240€ at the moment.
As for the pedalset, the T-LCM will do the trick. In any case, it’s the only Thrustmaster pedalboard equipped with a Load Cell sensor on the brake, and it’s essential if you really want to drive and not just “play”. Available today at €200 new.
For Formula-type steering wheels, we have three options:
- First, the Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-on, only 147€ but with a very toy-like finish.
- Next, the Ferrari 488 GT3 is not really an F1 steering wheel in the strict sense of the word, but it can do the job and is good value for money at 250€.
- Finally, the Ferrari SF1000 with its large central screen. This replica of the Scuderia steering wheel has aged quite a bit, especially in terms of finish and handling. But it’s currently available at 305€.
Fanatec GT DD Pro and F1 Esports V2 steering wheel
The Fanatec GT DD Pro base is an absolute Best Seller on PlayStation. It’s a Direct Drive base with 8Nm of torque, equipped with a Quick Release QR1 attachment system that lets you quickly change the steering wheel, even when racing. In terms of on-track sensations, it’s a far cry from what a T300 is capable of producing, but of course the price factor has to be taken into account. If you’re an avid console gamer, this is the model I’d recommend.
Here again, there are three choices for steering wheels:
- The F1 Esports V2 at 220€, which allows you to keep your budget either in your pocket or in the pedalboard.
- Or the Formula V2. 5 at 340€, more complete in terms of features and equipped with vibration motors in its grips.
- There’s also the CSL McLaren, but its diameter and grip make it a little less suited to F1 racing. Again, this depends on your budget and your expectations in terms of versatility.
Fanatec CS DD Racing Wheel F1 bundle
The Fanatec CS DD Racing Wheel F1 bundle includes the brand’s new flagship: the ClubSport DD base. It delivers a constant 15Nm of torque, very precise and responsive force feedback, and the QR2 as standard, an evolution of the brand’s steering wheel attachment system, directly inspired by what’s found in today’s real racing GTs. This wheelbase will also soon feature the FullForce system, which will add new fine details directly to the force feedback you feel on the track. This function is still under development in the game studios, but promises to add to the base’s excellent performance. If you ride exclusively on a console, it’s clearly overkill. On the other hand, if you regularly switch between console and PC, then this is an excellent choice.
To find out more: Our test of the CS DD Racing Wheel F1
The logical choice for PS5?
Unless you’re on a very tight budget, avoid belt-driven bases (in this case, the T300). These are old-fashioned models that are totally out of date in terms of track feel, power and responsiveness.
- If you drive exclusively on PlayStation , then the Fanatec GT DD Pro with F1 steering wheel will do just fine.
- If you drive mainly on PC, with a few inserts on the PlayStation side, and have a fixed chassis at home, then the ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 bundle will do both.
Have you found your F1 24 racing wheel?
Now that we’ve taken stock of the steering wheel models that will enable you to get the most out of F1 24, don’t hesitate to let me know if you’ve been able to find the answers you were looking for. Whether you did or not, I’ll do my best to help you in the comments and update the article to make your life easier! Your feedback will help other pilots in need. I look forward to seeing you on the track with your new gear!
