Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc swapped their Formula 1 seats for a virtual racetrack. In a new video published on Ferrari’s official YouTube channel, the Scuderia Ferrari HP drivers go head-to-head in a sim racing challenge using Thrustmaster equipment: the Direct Drive T818 Ferrari Edition and the Formula Wheel Add-On Ferrari SF1000 Edition.
The video does more than showcase the products. It puts two current Ferrari Formula 1 drivers behind the wheel of a system built around an officially licensed replica of a Ferrari Formula 1 steering wheel. Viewers get a clear demonstration of how modern sim racing equipment brings force feedback, vehicle controls and real-time data into a home racing setup.
T818 Direct Drive Base Puts Force Feedback at the Centre
At the heart of the setup is the Thrustmaster T818. Its Direct Drive motor delivers constant torque of up to 10 Nm without saturation. With Direct Drive technology, the steering wheel is connected directly to the motor, allowing the wheel base to communicate changes in grip, kerb impacts and other driving effects without the additional belt or gear mechanisms used by some conventional racing wheels.
The T818 + Ferrari SF1000 Simulator package is compatible with PCs and is aimed at experienced sim racers and esports users. A quick-release system allows compatible Thrustmaster wheels to be swapped, while the included mounting system supports installation on a desk or racing cockpit. Its modular design also allows users to adapt their setup to different types of sim racing.
Ferrari SF1000 Wheel Combines an Authentic Replica with Useful Data
The Formula Wheel Add-On Ferrari SF1000 Edition is a 1:1 scale replica of the steering wheel used in Ferrari’s SF1000 Formula 1 car. Its central faceplate is made from 21 layers of carbon fibre, while 25 action buttons, including seven rotary selectors, allow drivers to control vehicle settings and customise commands. Magnetic push-pull paddle shifters and two configurable analogue paddles further expand the available input options.
Depending on the game and its compatibility, the 4.3-inch display can show up to 69 telemetry values. The wheel also includes 21 LEDs for engine RPM information and racing flag signals. In supported games, drivers can therefore monitor essential information and adjust settings without taking their focus away from the track. Thrustmaster recommends using the latest wheel base and steering wheel firmware to ensure all supported functions operate correctly.
A Clear Connection Between Formula 1 and Home Sim Racing
Hamilton and Leclerc’s appearance highlights just how closely modern motorsport and simulation are connected. Professional racing drivers use digital environments for competition, preparation and entertainment, while consumer sim racing equipment increasingly adopts control layouts and materials inspired by real racing cars.
The full challenge is available on Ferrari’s official YouTube channel, with further technical information about the equipment available from Thrustmaster.
Thrustmaster products are also available through the Colby B2B portal.