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Is the Thrustmaster SF1000 wheel really the best for the money?

Author

Geoffrey Fulton
February 25, 2025

Simracing has grown into an immersive and highly competitive hobby, with enthusiasts continually seeking ways to improve their setups. Within the world of simracing, formula racing wheels are highly coveted for their precision, feedback, and overall performance. However, many high-quality wheels require a separate wheelbase, often pushing the total price of a setup well over $400, making them inaccessible for many newcomers. This price point has kept the formula racing market more exclusive, with top-tier brands like Moza and Fanatec often dominating the field.

Enter the Thrustmaster x Ferrari SF1000 Formula Wheel—a product that defies expectations. While Thrustmaster has traditionally been associated with more budget-friendly products, this collaboration with Ferrari brings a high-performance formula wheel to the masses. The SF1000 Formula Wheel is a direct replica of Charles Leclerc’s wheel from Ferrari’s 2020 SF1000 Formula 1 car. Every button, dial, switch, and knob is meticulously crafted to mirror the setup found in the real car, offering an incredibly authentic experience.

The build quality is top-notch, with a full carbon fiber faceplate that provides both strength and a premium feel. At the center of the wheel, there’s a large, customizable LCD screen that is both functional and visually striking. This screen allows you to monitor key in-game data such as lap times, tire health, and fuel mixture adjustments—right from the wheel itself—adding another layer of realism and control while racing.

Having used this wheel in combination with the T300 servo base, I can confidently say that it offers impressive performance for its price. The force feedback from the T300 is strong and responsive, delivering a level of torque that feels more robust than many other entry-level sim wheels. This makes for an immersive racing experience that stands out in its price range. Furthermore, the customizable screen is incredibly useful for keeping track of vital stats during races, and the ability to make real-time adjustments to your car’s settings, such as fuel mixture, enhances the experience even further.

I’ve primarily used the setup on Gran Turismo 7, and the performance has been consistently excellent. The integration of the wheel’s screen with the game is seamless, allowing me to track everything I need while staying fully immersed in the race.

That said, there’s one small caveat worth mentioning. While the Thrustmaster x Ferrari SF1000 Formula Wheel works with PlayStation, there is a slight issue with the remapping of the buttons. The buttons on the wheel itself are identical across all platforms, but on PlayStation, the controls are reprogrammed to match the PlayStation button layout. This can cause some functions to behave differently than expected, but if you're using a PC, this is a non-issue. Additionally, for those who prefer Xbox, the T300 base is available in a version compatible with Xbox and PC, ensuring that no one is left out—whether you're a PlayStation, PC, or Xbox user.

In conclusion, the Thrustmaster x Ferrari SF1000 Formula Wheel provides incredible value for simracers looking for an affordable yet high-quality formula wheel. Offering an authentic F1 experience, strong force feedback, and a customizable display, it stands out as an excellent option for both newcomers and seasoned simracers. Whether you’re looking to get into simracing or upgrade your current setup, this wheel offers a compelling alternative to much more expensive options from the likes of Moza and Fanatec.

If you’re interested in purchasing the Thrustmaster x Ferrari SF1000 Formula Wheel, you can use my affiliate links below to make your purchase.