A direct-drive input that really delivers

With this bundle, Fanatec combines its ClubSport DD base and the F1 Esports V2 steering wheel to offer a turnkey single-seater package at a much lower price than buying the two items separately. We’re talking about 12 Nm of torque, which isn’t the highest figure on the market, but the real surprise comes from the quality of the feedback rather than the raw power. The base features FullForce, the force feedback protocol we thought was reserved for the DD+, and you can really feel it when you’re holding the controller.

The Comeback, Track by Track

That’s where this package really won us over. The feedback from the tires is conveyed clearly, and road textures are layered on top without the steering losing any of its resistance. In practical terms, when entering a fast corner, you feel the load build up in your arms in a linear fashion, then the small vibrations from the road surface are layered on top without ever obscuring the main feedback. When braking, the build-up of braking force is impressively smooth, and you maintain a precise sense of the grip remaining on the front end. Nothing feels mushy even when multiple inputs are layered, which makes handling very instinctive—almost a matter of feel.

During long sessions, the base lives up to its promises in terms of temperature. The motor doesn’t overheat to the point where torque drops off, so the feel remains the same from the first lap to the thirtieth. For esports play, where you’re constantly switching drivers, this is a feature you’ll quickly come to appreciate.

The F1 Esports V2 steering wheel: compact and well-designed

The rim has a diameter of 270 mm—a deliberately small size that captures the spirit of F1 and allows for quick movements. The front panel is made of anodized CNC-machined aluminum mounted on a metal frame, with Alcantara grips that provide a secure hold. It features 11 buttons, a FunkySwitch, and a joystick, all complemented by magnetic paddles with a crisp click and customizable RGB LEDs. The build quality exudes reliability, and the included QR2 Pro quick-release mount ranks among the best systems on the market.

The downside of this format is that the rim seemed a tad small to us as soon as we got out of the single-seater. In GT mode or on very wide-open corners, you lose a bit of comfort, and the lack of adjustment knobs limits the adjustments you can make without letting go of the steering wheel. This is a deliberate design choice inspired by Formula racing, not a flaw in the finish.

Compatibility: What to Check Before Buying

Be careful here, because this is a classic pitfall. As is, this bundle is PC-only. The F1 Esports V2 steering wheel isn't recognized on consoles, so it won't work on either PlayStation or Xbox out of the box. The ClubSport DD base unit does work on Xbox, but you’ll need to pair it with an Xbox-compatible steering wheel. If you’re using a PC setup, no problem; if you’re planning to use a console, this specific bundle isn’t for you.

For whom, and why

This ClubSport DD F1 Esports V2 is designed for PC racers who want a powerful yet responsive direct-drive system, featuring a ready-to-race single-seater steering wheel and a build quality that inspires confidence over the long term. This is an excellent stepping stone to Fanatec’s high-end lineup, at a bundle price that’s significantly more attractive than the sum of its parts.