What simulators do F1 drivers use? The answer will surprise you

Formula 1 drivers are among the most finely tuned athletes in the world, and simulation training has become a crucial part of their preparation. But what exactly do F1 drivers use when it comes to simulators?

At the highest level, Formula 1 teams like Red Bull Racing, Ferrari, and Mercedes employ full-scale factory simulators—custom-built machines costing millions of euros. These simulators are housed at team headquarters and use aircraft-grade motion platforms, ultra-realistic physics engines, and 360-degree projection systems or wraparound LED screens. Drivers spend hours here before a race weekend, running through virtual laps that simulate tire wear, fuel loads, weather changes, and more.

However, when they’re not at the team factory, many drivers continue training at home using advanced consumer-grade racing simulators. Let’s take a look at some of the top F1 stars and their sim racing setups.

Max Verstappen sim racing setup

Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, is arguably the most high-profile example of a driver who takes sim racing seriously. Even off the track, Verstappen races competitively online with Team Redline, one of the top sim racing teams globally.

His home simulator setup is anything but casual. It includes a custom-built Playseat Sensation Pro chassis, a high-end SimSteering 2 direct drive wheelbase, Heusinkveld Sprint pedals, and a Curved triple-monitor display or VR headset, depending on the scenario. His PC is also built with the latest NVIDIA RTX graphics cards and a high-refresh rate monitor setup to ensure optimal performance

Cost estimate? Verstappen's sim rig is easily worth €25,000–€35,000, if not more. It's a top-tier setup that reflects his commitment to realism, even in the virtual world.

Charles Leclerc sim racing set up

Charles Leclerc is another F1 star who became well-known in the sim racing world, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when he regularly streamed races on Twitch. Unlike Verstappen's ultra-competitive focus, Leclerc brings a relaxed and fun vibe to his sessions.

Leclerc's setup includes a Next Level Racing cockpit, Fanatec CSL Elite or ClubSport wheel and pedals, and a high-end gaming PC. While less extreme than Verstappen's, it's still a very capable rig used for both entertainment and training. He also races on platforms like iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione.

Leclerc has mentioned that sim racing helps him stay sharp, especially with racecraft and concentration. His visibility in the online racing space has also helped boost the popularity of sim racing among younger fans.

Lewis Hamilton sim racing set up

Lewis Hamilton is a bit of an outlier when it comes to sim racing. While many fans assume he would have a state-of-the-art setup at home, Hamilton has admitted in interviews that he hasn't historically been a huge fan of sim racing. He believes that simulators can never truly replicate the sensation of driving a real F1 car.

That said, in recent years, Hamilton has been seen using high-end rigs provided by brands like Gran Turismo and Playseat, especially for promotional events. He has also been more involved in eSports through his own racing team, X44, which competes in Extreme E and other virtual events.

While his personal setup might not rival Verstappen's, Hamilton certainly recognizes the importance of sim racing as a tool for developing young talent and connecting with fans.

Experience realistic sim racing at Nürburgring eSports lounges

While most of us won't have access to a Formula 1 factory simulator—or Max Verstappen's €30,000 home rig—you can still experience the next-best thing. At Nürburgring Esports, we offer full-motion simulation racing at our lounges in Germany and Switzerland. Our simulators are designed to give motorsport enthusiasts the real feel of racing, with professional-grade steering wheels, pedals, motion feedback, and surround displays.

Whether you're an aspiring pro or just looking to experience what it's like to drive a GT3 car on the Nürburgring, our lounges offer an authentic and unforgettable ride.

Book your session today and join a growing community of racers who know that sim racing isn’t just a game—it’s the future of motorsport.