The FERRARI Formula 1 team worked with video game accessory designer Thrustmaster on an eSports controller based on the steering wheel used in last year’s SF1000 F1 car.
The Formula Wheel Add-On SF1000 Edition builds on a decade-long relationship between Thrustmaster and Ferrari that began in 2011 with the Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On.
As a replica of the actual Scuderia Ferrari F1 steering wheel, it’s intimidatingly complicated: there are 11 function buttons, seven encoders and two thumbwheels, as well as a 11 cm LED screen that can display up to 69 pieces of information with 11 engine speed gauges and five for Marshal flags.
More screens are integrated from the recently released game Codemasters F1 2021, which was announced last week and will be released on July 15th. These reportedly include tire temperature, transmission, timing, and fuel economy, all viewed through the connection to the ThrustmasterTM Connect Web platform.
The new F1 game will feature a brand new story mode and all 23 tracks spanning the 2021 F1 season at the time of the game’s announcement. To do this, Imola, Portimao and the updated Jeddah track in Saudi Arabia must be added. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Canada is also featured, although it is likely to be replaced in reality due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The 2020 F1 game did not include any of the new titles added to the makeshift calendar, which resulted in fans demanding their introduction for 2021.
The front plate of the wheel is made from 100% carbon fiber to ensure authenticity, while the oversized paddle adjusters are made from aluminum and feature magnetic technologies. The handles are made of textured rubber for comfort.
Thrustmaster noted that the wheel is based on the wheel used by Scuderia drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel in the 1000th Ferrari Grand Prix, a milestone marked at the Tuscan GP at Ferrari’s own Mugello circuit on Jan. September 2020 was marked.
However, the Tuscan Grand Prix was one of the few memorable moments in a memorable season for Ferrari, who struggled throughout the year and finished sixth in the constructors’ championship. The SF1000 car on which the Thrustmaster wheel is based is definitely not going to show up in Ferrari’s Hall of Fame.
The Formula Wheel Add-On SF1000 Edition is compatible with the Thrustmaster T-Series bases, with the exception of the T500RS. Unsurprisingly, it doesn’t come cheap: the UK MSRP is £ 329.99. Upgraded T-Chrono shift paddles that cut shift times cost an additional £ 54.99.
The bike was launched yesterday in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces and is already sold out on the Thrustmaster website. Further release will begin on August 26th.
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