F1 Sim Racing Setup Guide: Build the Ultimate Formula One Rig
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Formula One sim racing is a distinct discipline. The seating position, the driving style, the wheel feel and the cockpit configuration are all different from standard GT or touring car sim racing. If you want to build a proper F1 sim setup - one that puts you in the right position and immerses you in the EA Sports F1 series the way it's meant to be experienced - this guide covers exactly what you need.
How an F1 Setup Differs from a Standard GT Rig
The two defining differences between an F1 sim setup and a standard GT rig are seat position and wheel style.
Seat position. In a real Formula One car, the driver sits much lower and more reclined than in a GT car, with legs stretched forward at roughly hip height. Replicating this in a sim cockpit requires a formula-position rig. A standard upright GT cockpit puts you in the wrong position entirely, which affects how natural the inputs feel and how immersive the experience is.
Wheel style. Real F1 cars use an open-wheel (flat-bottomed) steering wheel with paddles and driver controls. While you can use a standard round wheel rim in an F1 cockpit, a formula or open-wheel style rim gives you a better experience - the inputs feel right, the paddle placement matches a real car, and the immersion significantly improves.
Getting the Seat Position Right
The most important element of an F1 sim setup is the seat. Without the correct formula seating position - low, reclined, legs forward - the rest of the setup feels wrong. This is where most customers get it wrong: they drop an F1-style wheel onto a standard GT cockpit, and the ergonomics never quite work. The dedicated formula cockpits below solve that.
F1 Sim Racing Cockpits at Gamer Gear Direct
Trak Racer TRX - F1 and GT
The Trak Racer TRX is GGD's most versatile high-end cockpit, supporting both F1 and GT seating positions. If you want a rig that runs the EA Sports F1 series today and switches to GT racing tomorrow without buying new hardware, the TRX is the answer. The adjustable frame accommodates the low, reclined formula position properly, giving you the right ergonomics for open-wheel racing alongside the standard GT configuration when you need it.
Playseat Formula Instinct Racing Simulator F1 Edition
The Playseat Formula Instinct F1 Edition is Playseat's entry-level dedicated F1 cockpit. It puts you in the correct formula seating position from the start - lower, more reclined, legs stretched forward. An officially licensed Formula 1 product that pairs naturally with the EA Sports F1 game series.
Playseat Formula Intelligence Racing Simulator F1 Edition
The Playseat Formula Intelligence F1 Edition steps up from the Instinct with premium construction, enhanced adjustability and a more rigid frame. The pick for sim racers who want a dedicated F1 cockpit with no compromises.
The Wheel: Open Wheel Formula Rims
For an F1 setup, a dedicated open-wheel formula rim is the right call. The flat-bottomed shape, button layout and paddle placement are all designed for single-seater racing - and when you're deep in the EA Sports F1 series, having the correct wheel in your hands completes the experience. A round rim works as a starting point, but the open-wheel rims below are what GGD recommends for a proper F1 build.
MOZA KS Formula Racing Wheel
The MOZA KS Formula Racing Wheel is an open-wheel formula rim compatible with all MOZA wheelbases. Flat-bottomed design, dedicated F1-style button and paddle layout - the right wheel for a MOZA-based F1 setup.
MOZA FSR2 Formula Racing Wheel
The MOZA FSR2 Formula Racing Wheel is MOZA's premium formula rim - a step up from the KS in construction, feel and button count. If you want the most complete open-wheel experience in the MOZA range, the FSR2 is where the formula rim lineup ends.
The Full F1 Setup: What You Need
| Component | What to buy |
|---|---|
| Cockpit | Trak Racer TRX (F1 + GT) or Playseat Formula Instinct / Intelligence |
| Wheelbase | Any MOZA (PC) or Logitech RS50 / G PRO (PS5/Xbox/PC) |
| Wheel rim | MOZA KS Formula or FSR2 (open wheel recommended) or round rim to start |
| Pedals | Load cell from the start - MOZA CRP2 or Logitech G PRO Pedals |
| Title | EA Sports F1 25 |
Which Platform Is Best for F1 Sim Racing?
The EA Sports F1 series runs on PS5, Xbox and PC. Both the Logitech RS50 and G PRO Wheel are natively compatible with PS5 and Xbox, making console F1 sim racing fully supported. PC gives you access to the full MOZA wheelbase range and additional force feedback tuning through MOZA Pit House.
For most F1 sim racers, PS5 with the Logitech RS50 Bundle or G PRO Bundle is the cleanest setup. For PC racers wanting more force feedback depth, the MOZA R9 V3 Bundle paired with a MOZA KS or FSR2 formula rim is the stronger long-term option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cockpit do I need for F1 sim racing?
You need a cockpit that supports a formula seating position - low, reclined, with legs stretched forward. The Trak Racer TRX supports both F1 and GT positions. The Playseat Formula Instinct and Formula Intelligence are dedicated F1 cockpits.
Do I need a special steering wheel for F1 sim racing?
An open-wheel formula rim gives you the best F1 experience. The MOZA KS Formula and FSR2 Formula wheels are the right options for MOZA-based setups. A round rim works as a starting point but a formula rim significantly improves immersion.
What is the best sim for F1 racing in Australia?
The EA Sports F1 series (F1 25) is the most popular F1 sim title across all platforms. It runs on PS5, Xbox and PC, supports all major direct drive wheels natively, and receives annual updates aligned with the real-world F1 season.
Can I use my existing Logitech RS50 or MOZA R9 V3 for F1 sim racing?
Yes - any direct drive wheelbase works in an F1 cockpit. You can run your existing wheel in a formula-position cockpit and add a MOZA KS or FSR2 formula rim when you're ready.
What's the most important part of an F1 sim setup?
The right seat and cockpit position. Without the correct low, reclined formula seating position, the rest of the setup doesn't feel right. Start with the cockpit, then match the wheel and pedals to your budget.
Where can I try an F1 sim setup in Australia?
Gamer Gear Direct's Dandenong South showroom has sim racing cockpits available to try by appointment. Visit us or browse our full racing simulator range.
Ready to build your F1 setup? Browse the Trak Racer TRX, Playseat Formula Instinct, Playseat Formula Intelligence, MOZA KS Formula Wheel and MOZA FSR2 Formula Wheel at Gamer Gear Direct - or visit our Dandenong South showroom for a personalised setup consultation.
Written by Karl Matias, Customer Service Specialist at Gamer Gear Direct. With six years of experience across racing and flight simulation, Karl has a well-rounded passion for all things sim and a knack for helping GGD customers find their perfect setup. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade, Karl's been there - and probably already has an opinion on your next piece of gear.
