An F1 steering wheel designed to work across different platforms

The “X” suffix is more than just a cosmetic touch. On this ClubSport Formula V2.5 X, it refers to the Xbox chip built into the rim, which enables use on Xbox One and Series X|S in addition to PC. Paired with a PlayStation-licensed base, it becomes one of the most versatile steering wheels in the Fanatec catalog. That’s the key selling point of this version: it retains the high-end single-seater wheel design while eliminating the hassle of console compatibility.

Solid carbon, aluminum, and zero-flex at your fingertips

The first impression is how solid the device feels. The frame combines metal with a 5-mm-thick solid carbon fiber front panel—said to consist of about thirty layers of unidirectional fiber—and you can really feel it. When we deliberately pulled on the handles, we detected no play or flex. The Alcantara grips offer a firm grip and a slim profile—more like a scalpel than a club—but they require gloves and a bit of maintenance to stay clean over time. Weighing in at about 1,250 g, the set remains manageable for a 270 mm model packed with controls.

On the track, what lightness really changes

It’s when this steering wheel is connected to a Direct Drive base that it really comes into its own. Its small diameter and modest weight don’t interfere with the force feedback. You can feel the subtle changes in traction, the gradual lightening of the front end as you enter a turn, and bumps absorbed at high speed—all without excessive filtering. The flat, compact rim provides very direct handling, allowing you to fine-tune even the smallest steering angles with precision. On long stints in both GT and single-seater cars, this precision pays off and fatigue remains minimal.

The two vibration motors built into the handles really surprised us. They add a layer of immersion similar to what TrueForce offers, with sharp jolts during hard braking and a more subtle vibration that effectively mimics the rapid, F1-style jolts on speed bumps. This is adjustable via the tuning menu, and you quickly get used to leaning into the corners to feel the loss of traction coming on.

Controls, paddles, and the OLED screen

The rim features an impressive array of controls: eleven buttons, two thumb encoders, 12-position switches, a 7-way FunkySwitch, an analog joystick, and a small 1-inch OLED screen. Most of the buttons offer a firm click, and the magnetic paddles snap into place with a solid feel without being noisy. We do have two reservations, however: the thumb encoders lack resistance, which makes precise adjustments difficult while driving, and we noticed that the OLED screen and RPM LEDs occasionally froze during a session, without affecting the rest of the steering wheel.

The base—the real expense to anticipate

Importantly, this steering wheel does not work on its own. A compatible Fanatec base is required—ranging from the CSL Elite and CSL DD to the Gran Turismo DD Pro, ClubSport DD, and Podium DD1 and DD2. The Xbox chip makes the wheel compatible with Xbox and PC, but PlayStation compatibility depends on a PlayStation-licensed base. You should therefore check your setup before purchasing, as it is the base—not the wheel—that determines which consoles are actually supported.

Our verdict

The ClubSport Formula V2.5 X is the perfect choice for intermediate or advanced sim racers who already have a solid setup. Impeccable build quality, a design tailored for precision, immersive vibration motors, and multi-platform compatibility make it a great step up from entry-level models. That is, provided you’re willing to put up with the maintenance required for the Alcantara and keep in mind the few display glitches that have been reported.