When Lando Norris wants to perfect his racing line or when NASCAR teams need official training equipment, they don’t mess around with consumer-grade gear. The world of professional F1 simulation has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem where cutting-edge technology meets real-world racing demands.
We’ve ranked the six most impressive F1 simulators currently dominating the professional market. From Le Mans winners’ engineering masterpieces to NASCAR-certified training platforms, these machines represent the absolute pinnacle of virtual racing technology.
1. Cool Performance Formula Pro
The F1 Driver’s Favorite
When nine current and former Formula 1 drivers—including Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz—choose the same simulator for their personal training, you pay attention. Cool Performance’s Formula Pro has achieved something remarkable: universal acceptance among the world’s most demanding drivers.
The Validation That Matters: Founded in 2018 and built at the legendary Quaife engineering facility in Kent, Cool Performance has installed over 1,000 simulators globally. But numbers don’t tell the whole story—it’s the quality of those installations that sets the Formula Pro apart. When F1 drivers invest their own money in training equipment, they choose Cool Performance.
Technical Precision: The carbon-fiber tub houses a Leo Bodnar Simsteering 2 FFB system that delivers steering feedback so accurate that drivers report muscle memory transfer to real cars. The CP-S hydraulic pedals adjust to 150kg of pressure, matching real F1 brake forces. Optional D-BOX motion systems and Samsung Odyssey G9 ultra-wide displays complete a package that prioritizes authenticity over flashy features.
The Complete Package: Starting near $41,000 and topping out around $80,000 with full motion and display upgrades, the Formula Pro delivers professional-grade simulation at accessible pricing. Factory delivery includes seat fitting, complete circuit libraries, worldwide installation, and a full year of remote engineering support.
Why It Leads: The Formula Pro succeeds because it focuses on what matters most: creating a training tool so accurate that professional drivers trust it with their careers. In a market full of impressive technology, Cool Performance has built something more valuable—credibility.
2. Cruden Hexatech Series
The F1 Team’s Choice
Step into the world of Formula 1 and Formula E team facilities, and you’ll find Cruden simulators powering the development programs of racing’s elite. Based in Amsterdam, Cruden has built its reputation by serving the most demanding customers in motorsport.
Engineering Excellence: Each Hexatech simulator features a precision-machined cockpit mounted on a six-axis hexapod platform running Cruden’s Panthera software stack. This isn’t off-the-shelf technology—every system is tailored to exact driver geometry and specific team requirements. The open architecture allows real-time integration with ECU data, tire models, and aerodynamic simulations.
Proven Partnerships: Mahindra Racing Formula E team relies on Cruden technology for driver development. Mercedes-Motorsports Formula E programs trust Cruden’s simulation fidelity for race preparation. These aren’t casual endorsements—they’re mission-critical partnerships where simulation accuracy directly impacts race results.
Investment Reality: Starting around $160,000 and climbing toward $250,000 for fully integrated systems, Cruden simulators represent serious professional investment. The four-month lead time reflects the extensive customization that makes each system unique.
3. SimCraft APEX 6 GT
The NASCAR-Validated Beast
January 2025 marked a watershed moment for SimCraft when NASCAR officially approved the APEX 6 GT for Cup Series use under Section 13.5. This isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s official validation that SimCraft’s technology meets the exacting standards of professional motorsport.
Revolutionary Motion Architecture: The APEX 6 GT’s patented bearing-pivot frame delivers six degrees of freedom without the height penalties of traditional hexapod systems. This means massive travel in roll, pitch, yaw, surge, sway, and heave—motion cues so convincing that professional drivers report genuine physical fatigue after extended sessions.
Professional Pedigree: With systems already installed at Legacy Motor Club and transparent pricing that spans $80,000 to $150,000, SimCraft has proven that professional-grade simulation doesn’t require seven-figure investments. The 220-degree OLED wrap-around display and hot-swappable control modules for different racing disciplines cement its professional credentials.
The Validation Factor: When NASCAR says your simulator meets their standards, you’ve achieved something special. The APEX 6 GT represents the democratization of truly professional simulation technology.
4. Base Performance Simulators Phoenix
The Commercial Champion
When three-time Le Mans winner Darren Turner founded Base Performance Simulators in 2009, he brought over two decades of Formula 1 simulator development experience to the table. The Phoenix represents the culmination of that expertise, specifically engineered for commercial success.
Turner’s Vision Realized: The Phoenix combines D-BOX Gen5 three-axis motion with a Simucube 2 Pro drive system and a curved 49-inch Samsung display. But the real genius lies in the Venue Management System—software so intuitive that venues can operate multiple simulators simultaneously without requiring specialized technical staff.
Commercial DNA: Everything about the Phoenix screams “built for business.” The steel-frame chassis handles constant use, the networking capabilities allow multi-rig racing competitions, and the remote diagnostics system minimizes downtime. Recent partnerships with entertainment giants like Area 15 Las Vegas prove the Phoenix’s commercial viability.
The Numbers: Starting around $87,000 and scaling to $120,000 with full networking and custom branding, the Phoenix delivers serious ROI for entertainment venues and esports facilities.
5. Vesaro Formula TEN
The Show-Stopper
When visual impact matters as much as driving dynamics, Vesaro’s Formula TEN commands attention like no other simulator on Earth. Encased in a full-scale carbon-fiber F1 shell, this Kent-built masterpiece looks like it rolled straight out of the paddock.
The Vesaro Experience: Those massive 85-inch triple displays create an almost overwhelming sense of speed and scale. The Vesaro Tri Motion 3.0 system works in harmony with seat-belt tensioners to simulate G-forces that make your body believe you’re actually racing. When equipped with the Simucube 2 Ultimate direct-drive system, the steering feedback reaches levels of realism that professional drivers describe as “uncanny.”
Built for Impact: Vesaro understands that some simulators need to be as much about spectacle as simulation. The Formula TEN’s modular panels allow for custom liveries and branding, making it perfect for automotive showrooms, luxury hospitality suites, and corporate entertainment venues where first impressions matter.
Investment Level: Expect to invest between $145,000 and $180,000 for a complete Formula TEN setup, positioning it firmly in the luxury segment where performance meets prestige.
6. CXC Simulations Motion Pro II
The Versatile Powerhouse
Rounding out our top six from California comes CXC Simulations’ Motion Pro II, a beast that refuses to be pigeonholed. This isn’t just an F1 simulator—it’s a shape-shifting platform that adapts to whatever racing discipline you throw at it.
What Makes It Special: The Motion Pro II’s six-axis linear actuator system delivers genuine 2G forces while maintaining whisper-quiet operation. Those triple 55-inch 4K displays create an immersive visual field that rivals dedicated racing facilities, and the modular cockpit design means you can switch from Formula seating to GT configuration in minutes.
The CXC Advantage: Built in Hawthorne, California, every Motion Pro II ships with comprehensive software licensing, Dolby 5.1 surround sound, and CXC’s renowned white-glove global support network. The company’s aerospace-grade engineering shows in every detail, from the precision-machined components to the seamless integration of multiple racing platforms.
Who It’s For: Multi-discipline racing facilities, corporate training centers, and serious enthusiasts who want professional-grade versatility without compromise.
The Verdict
These six simulators represent different approaches to the same goal: creating virtual racing experiences so convincing that they enhance real-world performance. Whether you’re seeking NASCAR validation, F1 driver endorsement, commercial viability, or pure technological innovation, each platform offers a unique path to simulation excellence.
The Cool Performance Formula Pro takes our top spot not for having the most expensive technology, but for earning the trust of the drivers who matter most. In professional racing, credibility trumps complexity every time.
Ready to experience the ultimate in F1 simulation? Each of these manufacturers offers demonstration programs and consultation services to help match your specific requirements with the right platform.
