F1 Renews Partnership with Sim Racing Giant Fanatec

Formula 1 has extended its multi-year partnership with leading sim racing hardware manufacturer Fanatec, a deal that will see Fanatec simulators installed at every Grand Prix Fan Zone and provide professional-grade equipment for all competitors in the 2026 F1 Sim Racing World Championship. The renewal also promises a new generation of officially licensed F1 hardware, including advanced steering wheels, bringing fans and virtual racers closer to the technology of the real sport.

Why it matters:

This partnership deepens the connection between F1's real-world spectacle and its booming virtual counterpart, a critical engagement channel for a younger, digitally-native audience. By standardizing top-tier hardware for its official esports series and putting simulators directly in front of fans at races, F1 is strategically lowering the barrier to entry and creating a more authentic, accessible pathway for global fans to experience the sport beyond just watching.

The Details:

• The extended deal ensures Fanatec will be the official sim racing hardware partner for Formula 1 and the F1 Sim Racing World Championship.
• A key fan-facing initiative will be the installation of Fanatec simulators at the Fan Zones of every Formula 1 Grand Prix, allowing attendees to try the virtual experience on-site.
• For competitors, the partnership guarantees that all F1 Sim Racing teams and drivers in the 2026 championship season will be equipped with professional-grade Fanatec hardware.
• The collaboration will also drive the development and release of a new line of officially licensed F1 products from Fanatec, with advanced steering wheels highlighted as a key product.
• F1's Chief Commercial Officer, Emily Prazer, stated the hardware "brings fans and racers even closer to the technology used in Formula 1" and strengthens the link between virtual and real-world racing.
• Thi La, CEO of CORSAIR (Fanatec's parent company), emphasized the role of sim racing in motorsport culture and noted the partnership aims to raise standards for both competitive play and global fan engagement.

What's next:

The 2026 F1 Sim Racing World Championship is set to kick off at DreamHack in Birmingham from March 27-29. The remainder of the 12-round season will be contested from F1's Media and Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, with all competitors now confirmed to be using the standardized Fanatec equipment provided through this renewed partnership.