Max Verstappen

Industrial-grade direct drive built around a Kollmorgen AKM54 servo motor. Known for its "robotic," unfiltered feel — extremely low inertia and friction. Delivers forces with raw immediacy that pro drivers prefer because it exposes every detail of the simulation's physics.

Carbon-fiber plate steering wheel with 300mm diameter. Smaller and lighter than the Artura, reducing rotational inertia. This allows subtle FFB details from the wheelbase to pass through more clearly. Magnetic shifters are extremely loud and tactile.

Officially licensed by McLaren using the same CAD data as the real GT4/GT3 steering wheel. Includes a dedicated screen for telemetry (tire temps, lap delta) and backlit buttons. The "Ultimate" version connects via USB for high-bandwidth data without wireless latency.

These are "load cell" pedals using a stack of polymer elastomers to simulate brake feel, with a load cell sensor measuring physical pressure. Hydraulic damping on brake and throttle for realistic feel. SmartControl software lets you adjust pressure and output curves in real-time.

Designed with F1 teams to replicate the exact low-slung seating position of a real single-seater. Max has a raised pedal tray mounted so his knees sit higher than his hips — matching his RB20/RB21 ergonomics for biomechanical consistency. Reports indicate the seat is a Tillett B2 carbon fiber shell, an ultra-lightweight option designed for restricted cockpits that transmits vibration directly without cushion absorption.

Max uses a triple screen setup for racing FOV plus a fourth display for telemetry, chat, or timing. Various sources cite different Samsung models. The fourth screen runs MoTeC i2 Pro or SimHub dashboards.

Max deliberately avoids motion platforms. His philosophy: motion actuators introduce millisecond-delays between physics calculation and physical movement. For a driver whose car control relies on sub-150ms corrections, even 10ms latency creates cognitive dissonance. A rigid, static chassis ensures Force Feedback from the steering wheel is the primary and instantaneous source of grip information.

Tactile Immersion: Instead of motion, Max augments immersion with bass shakers (transducers) mounted under the seat/pedal plate to simulate engine vibrations and road texture. He also reportedly uses small wind simulator fans in front of the cockpit to create airflow sensation at speed.

The lesson: Stability beats gimmicks. The "seat of the pants" feel is replaced by the "weight in the wrists."

Max uses the "Pro" model for the motorhome rather than the "Ultimate." The 25Nm peak is sufficient, and the smaller form factor is easier to mount in the confined space of the RV. Team Redline standardizes on Simucube for cloud profile sharing.

The ActivePedal has no springs and no rubbers — it uses a high-torque motor connected to a ball screw to resist the driver's foot. Resistance is generated entirely by software. Can vibrate to simulate ABS pulsation or lock-up detection. By using the same pedal at home and on the road, Max uploads identical force profiles for consistent muscle memory.

Dutch-made aluminum profile (8020) that allows disassembly for transport. Industry standard for rigidity-to-weight ratio. Famously delivered via flower truck during Imola/Nürburgring 24H weekend when the Red Bull truck couldn't fit it.