Fanatec launches Podium DD and Podium Pedals at SimRacing Expo 2025

Fanatec is packing big at the SimRacing Expo 2025 in Dortmund. And as an avid sim racer, I can tell you: my heart skipped a beat. At the biggest sim racing event of the year, I was surprised and genuinely touched by the presentation of two brand new products: the Fanatec Podium DD and the Fanatec Podium Pedals.

Finally something really new from Fanatec again! From the first images to the specifications, ambition shines through. As a lover of high-end hardware and someone who is involved in sim racing on a daily basis, this really gets me excited. Everything points to Fanatec raising the bar again and being back in the game with this release.

With this unveiling, Fanatec takes a bold step towards the future of high-end sim racing. Both products are designed for the avid sim racer who does not want to compromise on power, precision and personalisation.

Fanatec Podium DD: pure power with finesse

The new Fanatec Podium DD takes the place of the legendary DD2 and becomes the new flagship in Fanatec's line-up. It is a direct drive wheelbase that has everything it takes to convince even the most demanding sim racers:

• 25 Nm constant holding torque with peak load up to 33 Nm for brute force and precision
• Custom servo motor Developed in Germany, with optimised rotor magnets for minimum cogging
• FullForce technology for ultra-precise vibrations that provide real-time feedback on surfaces, curbstones and grip loss
• FluxBarrier technology increases engine response and makes feedback softer, richer and more consistent
• Full aluminium internals and diecast housing with cooling fins for optimum heat dissipation and durability
• 10 cm shaft extension included (optionally mountable for cockpit optimisation)
• Compatibility with all Fanatec QR2 steering wheels makes the system future-proof

Thanks to improved thermal efficiency, the base maintains stable performance even during long racing sessions. The widest dynamic range ever in a Fanatec base ensures that both the subtlest bumps and extreme forces are transmitted razor-sharp. It is not only a powerhouse, but also a tool for ultimate precision.

Fanatec Podium Pedals: high-end pedals with racing DNA

Where many pedals simply do their job, the new Fanatec Podium Pedals the pedal feel to a professional level. Fanatec completely redeveloped these pedals together with professional riders such as Igor Fraga. Every component has been designed for top performance, durability and maximum adjustability:

• Forged aluminium brake pedal - extremely rigid and designed to deliver the same braking pressure for many years
• Load cell of >200 kg, calibrated to 150 kg on the pedal plate, ensures realistic braking behaviour
• Patented elastomeric compression system prevents overstress and provides linear, progressive resistance
• Fully tool-free adjustment: change travel, preload, resistance and bite point in seconds
• Hall-effect sensors On throttle and clutch offer accurate and durable input detection
• Pedal curves and dead zones adjustable via Fanatec App, with internal storage so that your settings are retained even on console
• Compact control box with simultaneous USB-C and RJ12 connectivity
• Haptic mount points for future extensions and vibration feedback

The build is modular, so each sim racer can fully adapt the pedal feel to their driving style. Whether you drive GT or simulate F3, you have full control.

Also available: Fanatec Podium Pedals Formula

Especially for F1 enthusiasts, Fanatec comes with a Formula version of the Podium Pedals. This 2-pedal set (throttle & brake) is optimised for formulaic positions:

• Carbon fibre pedal faces and heel supports give a premium look and feel
• Optional grip tape included for extra control during intensive races
• Same technology, adjustment options and quality as the standard version

Availability & expectations

• The Fanatec Podium DD and Podium Pedals will be launched in Q1 2026
• Both products come with 3-year warranty (worldwide)
• Prices have not been announced at the time of writing

Fanatec said that the products will be available at launch through their webshop and possibly also through selected partners.

Conclusion

With the Podium DD and Podium Pedals, Fanatec is once again setting the tone in the world of sim racing. Personally, I am extremely happy and excited to see new Fanatec products again. From what I have been able to see so far, both products look extremely promising. The design, technology and attention to detail are already getting me excited. I can't wait to take a closer look and hopefully even test them at the SimRacing Expo. Stay tuned!

The combination of brute power, technical sophistication and an almost obsessive attention to detail make these products absolute must-haves for anyone serious about sim racing. It's not a minor upgrade, but a new generation of hardware that fundamentally changes your sim experience.