Sim-Lab Mercedes-AMG F1:
the appeal is in the details.

Review disclosure: Sim-Lab supplied this wheel on loan for review; it was not a unit I was entitled to keep. Sim-Lab had no influence on my opinions. The original video description also identifies Pit Lane Sim Racing as a paid sponsor. I may earn a commission through the Sim-Lab affiliate link below, at no extra cost to you.

The Mercedes-AMG F1 wheel was one of those products whose details became more interesting the longer I spent with it. The carbon shell, controls and display made it feel special in my hands, and driving the Mercedes W13 in iRacing was a highlight. But this is an expensive, focused wheel: the question is whether that particular Formula 1 connection matters enough to you to justify it.

What I tested

My review concerned the officially licensed wheel based on Mercedes-AMG’s 2024 Formula 1 design. Sim-Lab described the supplied example as an early final-production unit, rather than a pre-production prototype.

I spent several hours driving with it on my Simucube 2 Ultimate, including strong force-feedback settings. I did not encounter a fault in that period, and the wheel felt rigid and free of flex.

That is evidence about my own sample during a short review. It does not establish long-term reliability or resolve problems reported with other units. My original script discussed another reviewer’s difficulties; my fault-free experience should not be treated as a dismissal of those reports.

The current manufacturer listing groups the wheel under 2024/2025. My impressions here remain tied to the version supplied for the September 2024 review.

Carbon construction and grip comfort

Sim-Lab says it developed the wheel using CAD data supplied by the Mercedes-AMG team and a hand-built carbon-fibre shell. The motorsport connection was immediately appealing, but the lightness surprised me most when I first lifted it out of the box.

The official specification lists a 280 mm diameter and 1,240 g including the hub. In my hands, the shell felt exceptionally stiff without the bulk of a heavy housing.

The silicone grips were comfortable and secure. The compact diameter suited Formula-style cars and LMPs particularly well for me.

I also drove GT3 cars, but the size did not feel as natural for that use. I still felt in control; the shape and proportions simply did not match the GT experience I prefer.

Display and the Formula 1 atmosphere

The 4.3-inch display was bright, with vibrant colours. Together with the 25 telemetry LEDs and the authentic-style dash layouts, it did a great deal to bring the wheel’s design to life.

RaceDirector and SimHub offered dash and lighting profiles associated with the Mercedes wheel. Other layouts were possible, but the Formula 1 presentation was a large part of the appeal for me.

The little details added up, including the radio-button decal and the unusual rear controls. This was more than putting a Mercedes badge on a generic wheel.

My seating position was slightly reclined, with the wheel in front of me, and I could see the display well. A dedicated Formula cockpit would make the overall position more authentic, but I enjoyed it in my existing rig.

Rotaries, buttons and paddles

The nine Grayhill rotaries were excellent to use. My original review discussed their connection to the real wheel’s components; more practically, I liked their feel and had no complaints about operating them.

There were twelve front buttons and two rear switches. The front buttons felt good, although they were not the best I had experienced. I also confirmed during the review that the buttons were not identical to those on the real F1 wheel, so authenticity should not be read as every component being the same.

The mono-style shifter was satisfying and fairly quiet. Rapid shifts felt natural, and I enjoyed using it in the Formula cars.

The single-arm clutch was a distinctive part of the design, with an adjustable travel arrangement and a finger cup. It performed well for me, even though it was different from the twin-clutch layouts common on sim wheels.

What I missed for everyday sim racing

A replica can be faithful to its inspiration while still leaving out conveniences useful at home. The absence of a funky switch or joystick was the clearest example here.

The buttons were not backlit either. That is worth considering if you like racing in a dark room and depend on illuminated labels to find less frequently used controls.

The layout worked well while driving, and I appreciated the attention to detail. Even so, those missing features remain legitimate tradeoffs when comparing it with wheels designed around sim racing first.

I would choose this because I wanted the Mercedes design and experience, rather than expecting it to offer every convenience found on a less specialised wheel.

Mounting and USB connection

The rear hub used a standard 70 mm bolt pattern. Its built-in extension projected about 65 mm behind the wheel, which deserves attention before fitting your preferred quick release.

That extra length can bring the wheel closer to you than other wheels in your collection. If your seating position is already carefully set, check the complete distance with your quick release installed.

I connected the Lumberg six-pin-to-USB cable through a powered USB hub. The screen and lighting worked without a separate power-injector box during my test.

This was a PC setup with a Simucube 2 Ultimate. Confirm the mechanical adapter, quick release and USB requirements for your own base; a matching bolt pattern alone does not settle every compatibility question.

Driving the Mercedes in iRacing

The natural pairing was the Mercedes W13 in iRacing, which is an older car than the 2024 wheel’s inspiration. I also tested F4, GT3 and LMP cars.

Looking down at the controls while driving the Mercedes was memorable. The wheel put a smile on my face, and its connection to the real design made the experience more convincing for me.

The low weight and rigid construction gave the steering a quick, responsive feel. I enjoyed the detail coming through the Simucube base, particularly during rapid changes of direction.

Those are my driving impressions, not measurements of improved force-feedback accuracy or lap time. The strongest result was how much I enjoyed the complete experience.

The comfortable grips, clear display and satisfying controls made it a functional wheel I wanted to race with, as well as an impressive object to look at.

Price and my verdict

My September 2024 review quoted US$2,499. That was the original price discussed, not a current offer; the manufacturer link below gives the current price and ordering details for your region.

There are less expensive high-end wheels with screens and extensive controls. The Mercedes wheel asks you to place considerable value on its licensed design, construction and the experience of using that particular layout.

For a dedicated Mercedes-AMG fan or wheel collector with the budget, that appeal can be substantial. If the motorsport connection means little to you, the missing sim-specific controls and high cost will carry more weight.

I cannot call it the best wheel for everyone. I can say it gave me one of my most enjoyable Formula 1 experiences in the sim, with a light and rigid feel, comfortable grips and excellent rotaries.

I would keep the mounting extension, lack of backlighting and joystick, and the short test period in view alongside that enthusiasm. It is a luxury wheel with a particular purpose, and it made that purpose feel very convincing.

About this article: Adapted from my original review script and video review. Driving impressions refer to the original review period. The official Sim-Lab product listing was checked for the current destination, dimensions and PC connection requirements.