Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5 X: the F1 steering wheel that does it all

The Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5 X is clearly a "serious" steering wheel for the committed sim racer. It's in the high-end F1/single-seater segment, designed for mid- to high-end Fanatec bases, including direct drive. It promises a high level of control, lots of buttons under the fingers, and a feel close to what you'd expect from a modern racing wheel.

What's immediately appealing is the combo: compact single-seater steering wheel format, metal construction, magnetic paddles, screens and LEDs. It's clear that the aim is to offer a complete driving interface, capable of handling a modern GT3 as well as an F1 car or a proto, while remaining usable on a console.

My angle of analysis is fairly simple: precision of controls, comfort in the hand, quality of paddles and inputs, plus the way this steering wheel fits into a Fanatec ecosystem already loaded with options. Above all, I looked at what the Formula V2.5 X changes in concrete terms compared to a more basic round steering wheel, both in terms of feel and on-track efficiency.

Design & manufacturing

In hand, the ClubSport Formula V2.5 X immediately feels very serious. The chassis is made of metal, the front end gives a real sense of rigidity, and the whole thing exudes density. When you pick it up, you don't feel like you're handling a toy, but a tool. No perceptible play, no worrying bending, even when deliberately twisted.

Handles are in Alcantara or imitation leather, depending on the version, with a pleasant thickness. Good hand filling. The grip is firm, but not tiring. The feeling is "ready for long relays". The seam is clean, with no annoying extra thickness. You can go round and round without worrying about ergonomics.

Buttons and encoders are plentiful, well distributed and click cleanly. The thumbwheels are probably the most useful thing about racing: you can adjust brake bias, TC or engine mixture without taking your eyes off the track. The small multi-directional joysticks have a decent feel, even if I find them a little less reassuring than the classic big buttons.

The magnetic rear paddles are a real highlight. The click is dry and precise, with a short stroke. You feel exactly when you activate it. There's no need to crush the paddle, just press. It's the kind of detail that immediately gives you confidence when braking or shifting gears under full load.

What may be slightly disappointing is the amount of plastic around certain components. It's well assembled, nothing moves, but coming from a full metal or carbon steering wheel, it's clear that Fanatec is sticking to a balance between cost and finish. Compared with some of the more expensive full-carbon steering wheels, the V2.5 X is a little less exclusive visually, but compares very well in terms of overall solidity.

Settings, customization & compatibility

Formula V2.5 X clearly benefits from the Fanatec ecosystem. Everything is done via the base unit: integrated menus, FFB presets, steering wheel sensitivity, vibration adjustment, LED and screen settings. In practice, you quickly find a profile that works well. The learning curve is not steep, but you have to be willing to spend a minimum amount of time to optimize.

Encoders are assignable in compatible games, and joysticks can be used to navigate menus or manage the MFD on certain titles. Where it really comes into its own is in mode management: you can create several control profiles and adapt them according to the car or game. For regular sim racing, this is a real plus.

The most "sensory" customization remains the adjustment of vane tension (according to module) and FFB adjustment via Fanatec parameters. You can adapt strength and reactivity to your style: softer for long endurance sessions, more responsive for hotlap. You'll soon realize that this steering wheel is designed to accompany a base that can be fine-tuned, rather than to be basic plug-and-play.

In terms of compatibility, V2.5 X works with PCs and consoles, depending on the Fanatec base used. This is important: it's not the wheel that defines compatibility, but the base. On PC, there's no problem, you get everything. On a console, you get the essential functions, even if some games don't use all the LEDs or displays.

In the Fanatec ecosystem, this steering wheel fits in very well: pedals, shifters, handbrake, anything can be built around it. In terms of upgradeability, it's not just an entry point: it's a wheel you can keep for a long time, even as you move upmarket to more powerful basics. It's an excellent accompaniment to progress towards an advanced setup, without giving the impression of being outdated too quickly.

Sensations in play

On the track, the ClubSport Formula V2.5 X really shows why the F1 format is appreciated. The reduced diameter and flat shape give very direct control. You feel as if you're connected to the base axle. Every small steering angle is measured with finesse. For modern racing cars, it's a treat.

In terms of feedback, this steering wheel doesn't create the FFB, but it transmits it very well. With a sufficiently powerful Fanatec base, the rigidity of the structure and the quality of the grips make it possible to clearly read what's going on. You can feel the load on the front end as you enter corners, the gradual loss of grip, the micro-corrections you need to make to keep the car on track. You immediately understand what the car is doing.

In fast corners, control is very reassuring. Your hands stay firmly planted, and the steering wheel doesn't slip, even with slightly damp hands. You can play with a few degrees of rotation to hold a slide or correct oversteer without fighting with the steering wheel. Quick changes of support are easy to follow, especially with a direct or powerful base: the steering wheel follows, without annoying inertia.

The grip reading is really convincing. The slightest vibration from the base is transmitted to the grips, but without becoming aggressive. On a bumpy track, you can feel the imperfections without it being unpleasant. In the wet, loss of grip appears first as a slight "lightness" in the steering wheel, then a more pronounced oscillation. There's plenty of time to react.

Vibrators are another good indicator. With this steering wheel, it's easy to tell the difference between a flat vibrator that you can attack and an aggressive one that you'd rather avoid. The rigid structure sends out a clear signal: you know immediately if you've gone too far. Immersion then goes up a notch. You don't hear the game so much as "feel" the circuit.

On long sessions, comfort remains good, but it depends enormously on the strength of the base and the FFB setting. With a very high FFB, the small diameter fatigues the forearms a little more than with a larger round wheel. On the other hand, the shape of the grips avoids tension. The right balance is to keep the detail in the FFB while reducing the peak force a little.

Quick corrections, especially in single-seaters or protos, make the steering wheel stand out. The paddles fit perfectly under your fingers, and you can downshift hard on corner entry while correcting a rear-end drift. The fact that the most important buttons are accessible without letting go of the handle gives a real feeling of control. You can play with the car's balance in real time.

Compared with a simpler, cheaper and often more plastic steering wheel, the difference lies in precision and confidence. You dare to brake later because you have a better feel for what the front end is doing. You dare to go back on the throttle sooner because the grip feedback is clearer. Conversely, when faced with even more exclusive all-carbon steering wheels with custom paddles, the Formula V2.5 X loses a little of its perceived "luxury", but retains a level of performance that's more than up to the task.

The overall impression is of a steering wheel that makes you want to attack, especially with modern cars. Immersion, comfort and control are the order of the day, provided you've got the right base behind you. This is where the base really changes the experience, but the V2.5 X clearly won't hold back a good Fanatec base.

Who's it for? What we like / What we don't like

The ClubSport Formula V2.5 X is clearly aimed at intermediate to advanced sim racers. It's well suited to the motivated racer who already has a Fanatec base, a decent pedalboard, and spends a lot of time on F1, modern GT3 or protos. On consoles, it can be used as a major upgrade for serious gamers, but it really comes into its own on PC with full sims and advanced settings.

What I appreciate most is the feeling of solidity and overall precision. It really feels like you're holding a steering wheel designed to withstand hours of riding without flinching. Secondly, the layout of the controls is very well thought-out: almost everything you need for racing is within easy reach of your thumb, without contortion. Finally, the magnetic paddles provide immediate satisfaction. Every gear change is clean, controlled and without uncertainty. It's the kind of detail that changes the confidence you have in your equipment.

As for limitations, the F1 format is not universal. For rallying, drifting or simply "mixed road + race" use, a round or GT steering wheel will be more comfortable. Then, even if the quality is good, there are still some plastic or composite elements that remind us that this is not an ultra-boutique product. This isn't a hindrance in terms of performance, but it may frustrate those who want full carbon. One final point: the sheer number of buttons and settings can be a little intimidating for beginners. You'll get used to it, but you'll have to accept a little learning curve.

In terms of investment, this is clearly not an entry-level product. The price is aimed at a sim racer who sees his setup as a long-term project. The perceived value is good, as you gain in control, driving comfort and immersion, but you need to be sure of spending enough time on the sim racer to make it profitable. For a casual gamer, it's probably too ambitious. For someone who drives several times a week, the difference is quickly felt.

Verdict

The Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5 X brings a real step upmarket in a modern racing-oriented setup. It transforms a decent package into a much more precise driving interface, with direct access to race settings and a much clearer feel for the car. You get the feeling that you've "turned a corner" in the way you drive.

On the market, it's clearly positioned at the top end of the mid-range, if not in the accessible premium. It's neither the most expensive, nor the most exclusive, but it ticks the vast majority of important boxes for someone who wants a serious, durable steering wheel, well integrated into their Fanatec ecosystem.

I'd recommend it to sim racers who race mainly in F1, GT, endurance and who are looking to optimize their control more than anything else. For a very versatile player who also does a lot of rallying or road racing, a round steering wheel would be more appropriate. For a complete beginner, it's probably too much, both financially and in terms of complexity.

If you're looking for a solid, precise F1-type steering wheel, packed with controls and capable of following a powerful Fanatec base, the ClubSport Formula V2.5 X can clearly make the difference in your setup.