Sim racing enthusiasts, get ready! Today, we are taking a deep dive into one of the most exciting yet expensive sim racing peripherals to hit the market—the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team Sim Racing Steering Wheel, or as we all call it, the AMG F1 Wheel.
This is no ordinary wheel; it is a faithfully recreated licensed replica of a real F1 steering wheel, designed in collaboration with the engineers of a multiple world championship-winning F1 team. But is it worth its hefty price tag of $2600? Let's find out.
First Impressions and Build Quality
When you first unbox the AMG F1 Wheel, it is clear that this is not just another high-end sim racing accessory. Unlike other Formula/Open Wheel-style sim wheels—such as the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate, Bavarian SimTec OmegaPRO, Cube Controls CSX-3 or Asetek Invicta, this wheel stands apart because it is a true 1:1 replica of an actual F1 wheel. Using the same CAD data as the real thing, it features authentic rotary encoders, push-pull shifters, and a real F1 clutch system.Real Formula One wheel vs Sim-Lab AMG F1 Wheel
The carbon fibre shell adds to the realism and improves force feedback transmission to the user. At 1129 grams (1240g with the hub), it is surprisingly lightweight for a wheel that includes an LCD display.
What is in the Box?
Inside the Sim-Lab Mercedes AMG package, you will find:- AMG F1 Wheel
- Lumberg to USB connector
- 3m USB extension cable
- Toolkit and screws
- Sticker sets (including an alternative layout based on George Russell's setup)
- Alternative encoder knob
Inside the packaging of the AMG F1 Wheel.
The attention to detail is impressive, catering to hardcore F1 fans who want the authenticity of having the exact layouts of the drivers.
Buttons, Rotaries, and Ergonomics
The AMG F1 Wheel comes equipped with 14 buttons and 9 rotary encoders, all designed for professional use. The pressure point of the buttons has been adjusted for sim racing, less resistance compared to real F1 cars, and the rotary encoders have a notably firm feel, minimizing accidental inputs and misclicks. This is perfect for those who choose to race with gloves.One interesting feature is the "Magic Button", designed to override brake balance for quick adjustments. While this is an exciting addition, it also brings back memories of Lewis Hamilton's costly mistake at Baku in 2021, where he accidentally left the setting on and consequently missed his braking point.
The rotaries and encoders are of the best quality
However, it is not all positive. There is no 7-way funky switch, which is often useful for sim racing menu navigation. Some might find this a downside, especially given its $2700 price point, but the truth is that the real wheel does not have one, so this sim racing replica does not either.
Installation & Software
The AMG F1 Wheel is PC-compatible and works seamlessly with Simucube and Simagic Quick Releases. However, with its 6.5 cm long hub, it can shift your seating position significantly if you frequently swap wheels. Sim-Lab's upcoming wheelbases might offer better integration in the future, but time will tell.To set up your AMG F1 Wheel is surprisingly straightforward:
- Install the LCD driver
- Use Windows Game Controller Settings to check button functionality
- Calibrate the clutch travel
- Install Sim-Lab's Race Director software for firmware updates and encoder customization
Driving Experience & Performance
The AMG F1 Wheel is ergonomically excellent, even though personal preferences might vary. The 280mm wheel size is slightly smaller than the 290-300mm range that some racers prefer, but its lightweight design makes micro-corrections effortless.The beautifully crafted carbon-fibre shell of the AMG F1 Wheel.
Force feedback is transmitted beautifully through the carbon fibre body, providing an immersive and responsive racing experience. This wheel is not just limited to F1 cars; it works exceptionally well with GT3, GTP, LMH, and LMDh cars, making it a versatile choice for sim racers who love to race all sorts of modern machinery.
Software & Customization
The 4.3-inch LCD display is crisp and features 8 different dashboards, with the AMG W15 F1 being the default. However, customization is limited, with no built-in editor for creating custom profiles. The 25 RGB LEDs are programmable, but setting them up is somewhat tedious.SimHub compatibility is a huge plus, offering much-needed flexibility for users who want a tailored experience. Community-created dashboards—including F1 24-optimized setups—enhance the experience significantly. However, SimHub and Race Director cannot run simultaneously, so users must choose to run one at a time.
Examples of RaceDirector dashboards that are compatible.
Pros and cons:
There a a lot of positives to this wheel, and whilst it does have some issues that stop this unit from being perfect, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives.- Authentic F1 design and materials
- Excellent force feedback transmission
- High-quality buttons, encoders, and clutch system
- Lightweight and well-balanced
- SimHub compatibility expands its capabilities
- No 7-way funky switch
- Limited customization options in Race Director
- Price makes it inaccessible to many
- Requires extra tools for firmware updates
Adjusting your settings on the go is a breeze with this replica wheel rim.
Final Score: 8.5/10
This wheel is perfect for hardcore F1 fans and for those looking for the most authentic sim racing experience possible. However, for those prioritizing functionality over realism, there are other sim racing wheels with more features for a lower price.Would you buy the AMG F1 Wheel? Or do you already own one? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
