--- title: "This Official Mercedes F1 Sim Racing Wheel Only Costs More Than Your Whole Rig" description: "Hand-built using the same CAD files as the real thing, Sim-Lab's $2,500 Merc F1 wheel is made for the most serious—and rich—sim racers." date: "2024-07-18" modified: "2024-07-18" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/culture/this-official-mercedes-f1-sim-racing-wheel-only-costs-more-than-your-whole-rig" categories: - "Culture" - "News" - "Video Games" --- # This Official Mercedes F1 Sim Racing Wheel Only Costs More Than Your Whole Rig ![Mercedes Sim-Lab F1 wheel]() *\Sim-Lab\* Sim racers are always seeking the most authentic experience possible. So it's no surprise that there are some out there, so dedicated and so deep-pocketed, that they might spring for this $2,500 wheel modeled after the one the Mercedes [Formula 1]() team uses in its cars. It's even hand-built! Manufacturer [Sim-Lab]() partnered with the Silver Arrows squad to create this accessory. It relies on the very same CAD data as the official article, and its body is made entirely of carbon fiber. Because of this, it weighs just 2.7 pounds. In the center is a 4.3-inch display that can run an interface similar to that seen on the actual wheel, and as you'd expect, all of the buttons and dials retain their real-life labels and hardware. It even comes with two sets of stickers, so you can really feel like Lewis Hamilton or George Russell. Anecdotally I haven't seen very many folks wishing to be the latter but, to each their own. The [infamous "Brake Magic" button]() is even there! [![]()]() [![]()]() [![]()]() [![]()]() [![]()]() Accessories like this have really picked up over the post-pandemic years, since sim racing has garnered more attention. Fanatec even worked with BMW Motorsport to build a wheel that can be disengaged from its base and connected to a *real* BMW M4 GT3. It's made of carbon fiber and billet aluminum and, naturally, it costs $1,500. You can order one now, and [it'll ship in four to seven days](). Compared to this Merc wheel, that almost seems like a bargain. I mean, it'll work with your race car, which is quite the value add. Sim-Lab's F1 wheel supports most bases, provided the appropriate adapter is used as a go between. In other words, nobody will stop you from connecting this bad boy to the cheapest direct-drive base you can find and booting up *Forza Horizon 5*. Just wanted to put the idea out there. *Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()