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Sim racing is growing faster than ever. New racers are joining every day, while the experienced group is becoming increasingly professional. But with that growth come new problems: overwhelming hardware choices, technical barriers, error-prone installations, incorrect settings and setups that never quite live up to people's expectations. It is precisely in this reality that Fanatec now Fanatec 1 introduces — a full-service solution that promises to take care of the entire process, from hardware selection to complete installation and maintenance.

Nevertheless, the question remains: Does Fanatec really solve everything? Or is it primarily a strong first step in a market that now demands much more than a single ecosystem can handle? In this article, I take an in-depth look at the functioning, added value and limitations of Fanatec 1. I also explain why my own Turnkey solutions from SimRacingHub.nl are becoming more important at this stage.

What exactly is Fanatec 1?

Fanatec 1 is a comprehensive service in which certified partners assemble, deliver, install, adjust, configure, and maintain your sim racing setup. It is not an additional accessory or an extension of the online shop, but a comprehensive service that handles the entire process of building a simulator for you.

With Fanatec 1, Fanatec aims to lower the threshold for anyone who wants to get started without technical fuss. The idea is simple: you want to race, not debug. And Fanatec 1 makes that promise a reality. They do this through a highly streamlined process:

• Completely personalised hardware advice
• Advice based on budget and driving goals
• Professional installation of cockpit, wheelbase, pedals and accessories
• Complete configuration of drivers, software, and firmware
• Ongoing support for problems, updates or adjustments

Who is Fanatec 1 intended for?

With this service, Fanatec primarily targets sim racers who either want to build their first setup or do not want to deal with technical details. These are often people who:

• Not knowing where to start in the jungle of hardware
• Not having technical knowledge, or simply not wanting to have it
• Want their rig to be right first time
• Considering flawless installation important
• Don't want to waste time on firmware, drivers or complex settings

For whom is Fanatec 1 less suitable?

• Racers who mix between different brands
• Racers who want high-end hardware outside the Fanatec ecosystem
• Racers who want to combine motion, haptics, VR, or ultrawide monitor setups
• Racers who want to build a simulator that must remain scalable in the coming years
• Racers who want customisation in ergonomics, cable management, integration, and expandability

Fanatec 1 is therefore perfect as an entry point, but it does not replace full multi-brand engineering.

What specific problem does Fanatec 1 solve — and why is this service being launched now?

1. Choice overload and lack of direction

The hardware market has grown explosively. Wheelbases from 5 to 25 Nm, load cell and hydraulic pedals, multiple cockpit categories, compatibility per brand... it's a lot. Fanatec 1 helps by structuring choices and linking them directly to your goals.

2. Installation errors that ruin the experience

I see this happen every week: handlebars too high, pedals too low, power settings incorrect, drivers not installed properly. With Fanatec 1, these errors are prevented because specialists come to physically install and adjust your setup.

3. Maintenance and updates that cause frustration

Tuning profiles, firmware, game settings, and synchronisation between software and hardware — it takes beginners a disproportionate amount of time. Fanatec 1 addresses this with ongoing support.

4. The market is rapidly becoming more professional

Sim racing is no longer a niche market. Users increasingly expect the same service and support as they would with high-end home cinema systems. Fanatec is now responding to this demand.

5. Local support is becoming more important

With partners in regions within the EU and US, Fanatec 1 makes it possible to have direct contact with someone who provides local support — something that many users appreciate.

How does Fanatec work step by step?

1. You are visiting the Fanatec website and goes to the Fanatec 1 page.
2. You fill in the application form.
3. Fanatec connects you with a certified partner in your area.
4. You will receive a consultation and configuration proposal.
5. The partner will visit your home for delivery, installation, and adjustment.
6. You will have access to ongoing support for updates, tuning, and troubleshooting.

Current availability is limited to parts of the EU and the US, but Fanatec has indicated that it intends to roll this out further.

Where Fanatec 1 ends — and why sim racers want more than ever before

Fanatec 1 works exclusively with Fanatec hardware. This means that the service does not respond to the rapidly growing need for:

• Motion systems (SFX-100, Vero Motion, D-BOX)
• VR headsets such as Pimax Crystal Light and Crystal Super
• Ultra-wide QD-OLED screens or triple monitor setups
• Haptic systems via SimHub (bass shakers, haptic seats, tactile feedback)
• GPU-intensive setups that require specific PC builds
• High-rigidity cockpits and customised solutions (Sim-Lab, Trak Racer, custom engineering)

Many sim racers start out with Fanatec, but within 6–18 months they upgrade to mixed‑brand or more high‑end setups. This is precisely where a gap arises that Fanatec 1 does not cover — but where SimRacingHub.nl does offer a solution.

What does SimRacingHub.nl offer — and why does this fit in with the next phase of sim racing?

My own service provision focuses on sim racers who want to look beyond a single brand. Not because Fanatec doesn't make good hardware — on the contrary — but because the best setups rarely fit within a single brand.

Turnkey Simulators (multi-brand)

I build full-scale simulators in which:

• Each brand can be selected based on performance, not limitations.
• Motion, VR, haptics, monitors and PCs working together seamlessly
• Ergonomics and seating position can be fully customised
• Cable management, stability and future-proofing are carefully integrated
• Custom cockpits can be built for esports, businesses or commercial locations.

Consultancy & guidance

Many sim racers want to determine their strategy before investing. I help with:

• Analyses of your requirements, driving behaviour and setup objectives
• Advice on what you should and should not invest in
• Savings opportunities through smart combination of brands
• Long-term upgrade plans
• Practical guidance during installation and optimisation

My Turnkey Simulator service helps you every step of the way — from advice to full installation and long-term support. No standard solution, but a setup that truly suits your ambitions, your space and your driving style.

Conclusion: Fanatec 1 makes getting in easier

Fanatec 1 offers a valuable solution for anyone who wants to get started quickly and hassle-free. But sim racing is growing faster than ever, and many racers will eventually want more than just one closed ecosystem.

That's why I build simulators that go beyond hardware alone. Simulators that match your ambitions, your driving style and your future. Would you like to discuss your ideal setup, upgrade path or complete simulator? You know where to find me.

Frequently asked questions