🇬🇧

Olli Caldwell

British racing driver. FIA Formula 2 competitor. LMP2 driver with Algarve Pro Racing in the European Le Mans Series (2025). Alpine Academy graduate. Cool Performance Formula Pro owner. Managed by Matt Parry (PPM Sports), who also owns a Cool Performance GT Pro.

Pro Driver Cool Performance · Leo Bodnar · CP-S F2 Driver Alpine Academy
Hardware verified: February 2026 · Last reviewed: February 2026
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EST. TOTAL VALUE
~£26,345
Formula Pro
SERIES
F2 / ELMS LMP2
2025: Algarve Pro Racing
ACADEMY
Alpine
Academy Graduate
WHEELBASE
Leo Bodnar 26Nm
Direct Drive
RIG BUILDER
Cool Performance
Formula Simulator
⚡ TL;DR: Cool Performance Formula Pro cockpit · Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 26Nm (Kollmorgen AKM54 motor) · CP-S hydraulic pedals (AP Racing, 200kg) · Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 ultrawide (5120×1440, 240Hz) · CP-S Haptics · Water-cooled i9/RTX PC. Standard Cool Performance Formula Pro configuration. Also holds a Next Level Racing ambassadorship (see note below).
📹 Primary Source: Cool Performance Official Website — Olli Caldwell confirmed as Cool Performance Formula Pro user with testimonial.
📋 Notable Context — Next Level Racing Ambassadorship: Olli Caldwell is also listed as a Next Level Racing (NLR) ambassador with an F-GT Elite cockpit and triple monitor setup. However, he personally owns a Cool Performance Formula Pro simulator. This creates a conflicting brand relationship similar to Sacha Fenestraz, where a driver's personal equipment choice differs from their ambassador role. Caldwell's Cool Performance testimonial specifically references how realistic the simulator felt when preparing for his first F1 test — suggesting genuine use. Cool Performance and Next Level Racing are competitors in the simulator market. It is possible he uses different equipment in different locations or that the relationships serve different purposes.
“In terms of how the simulator felt, the way the car was behaving, it was very realistic to the simulator.”
— Olli Caldwell, on preparing for his first F1 test with Cool Performance
🏎️ Rig at a Glance
ComponentModel / SpecMetricEst. Cost
WheelbaseLeo Bodnar SimSteering 2 FFB26Nm~£4,000
Steering WheelCP-S Custom Carbon Fibre Formula287mm~£2,000
PedalsCP-S Hydraulic (AP Racing)200kg Brake~£3,500
CockpitCool Performance Formula Simulator120kg+ Frame~£15,000
SeatCustom Fiberglass Formula SeatF1 Position~£1,500
DisplaySamsung 49" Odyssey G95120×1440, 240Hz~£900
HapticsCP-S Haptics SystemIntegratedIncluded
PCIntel Core i9 + NVIDIA RTX 5080 (Water Cooled)Custom~£2,500
Total Est. Value~£26,345

🕹️ Core Driving Controls

[Wheelbase] Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 FFB ~26Nm VerifiedActive
🎮
Verified: Cool Performance standard Formula Simulator specification — Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 with Kollmorgen AKM54 servo motor[View Source]

Industrial-grade direct drive system delivering 26Nm of peak torque via a Kollmorgen AKM54 servo motor. Features over 2 million resolution points per wheel turn and CP-S custom software modelling. The same wheelbase used by Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, and other Cool Performance drivers.

Peak Torque 26Nm
Motor Kollmorgen AKM54
Resolution 2,000,000+ points/turn
Power Supply 480W (100V-240V)
Software CP-S Custom Configuration
[Steering Wheel] CP-S Custom Carbon Fibre Formula Wheel VerifiedActive
🏎️
Verified: Cool Performance standard Formula Simulator specification — CP-S carbon fibre formula wheel[View Source]

Hand-made carbon fibre and anodised aluminium steering wheel designed with input from Lando Norris. Features a comprehensive F1-style button layout with dual clutch paddles, rotary encoders for in-sim adjustments, and a 50.8mm quick release system.

Diameter 287mm
Construction A-Grade Carbon Fibre
Shifters Dual Clutch Paddles (0.1-10% bite)
Controls 9 switches, 9 rotary dials, HAT
Quick Release 50.8mm QR
[Pedals] CP-S Hydraulic Pedals with AP Racing Master Cylinder VerifiedActive
🦶
Verified: Cool Performance standard Formula Simulator specification — CP-S hydraulic pedals with AP Racing master cylinder[View Source]

Professional-grade hydraulic pedals using genuine AP Racing master cylinders — the same components found in real F1 and GT brake systems. Features a simulated brake caliper with hundreds of configurations, gas-spring throttle with 3 force levels, and an electronically-controlled sliding pedal box with 300mm of travel adjustment.

Brake Type True Hydraulic
Max Brake Force 200kg
Master Cylinder AP Racing
Throttle Gas-spring (3 force levels)
Pedal Box Travel 300mm Electronic Adjust
Bearings High Quality Linear
[Cockpit] Cool Performance Formula Simulator VerifiedActive
🪑
Verified: Cool Performance confirms Olli Caldwell as a Formula Simulator user with testimonial[View Source]

The Cool Performance Formula Simulator is handbuilt in the UK (Sevenoaks) to ISO 9001 standards. The frame is CNC-machined powder-coated aluminium weighing over 120kg, engineered for zero flex during high-force feedback. Developed by Oliver Norris (Lando Norris's father) and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs. Used by 9+ F1 drivers including Norris, Sainz, and Albon.

Dimensions 2000mm x 650mm x 1050mm
Frame Weight 120kg+
Material CNC Aluminium (Powder Coated)
Engineering ISO 9001 Certified
Frame Warranty Lifetime
Manufacturer Sevenoaks, UK
[Display] Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 Ultrawide VerifiedActive
🖥️
Verified: Standard Cool Performance Formula Pro single-monitor configuration — Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 ultrawide[View Source]

The Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 is the standard display included with Cool Performance Formula Pro builds. This super-ultrawide curved monitor delivers a 5120×1440 resolution across a 1000R curve, providing excellent peripheral vision from a single panel. At 240Hz with 1ms response time, it delivers smooth, responsive visuals ideal for competitive sim racing.

Configuration Single 49" Ultrawide
Resolution 5120×1440 (DQHD)
Refresh Rate 240Hz
Response Time 1ms
Curvature 1000R
Panel Type VA (Quantum Dot)
[Haptics] CP-S Haptics System VerifiedActive
Verified: CP-S Haptics is a confirmed component of the Cool Performance Formula Pro platform[View Source]

Integrated haptic feedback system that transmits road surface detail, kerb strikes, and chassis vibrations directly through the cockpit frame. Works in conjunction with the Leo Bodnar FFB system to provide a multi-channel immersion layer beyond steering feel alone.

Type Integrated Chassis Haptics
Channels Multi-point
[Motion] None Confirmed — Static Setup EstimatedStatic
⚠️ Note: D-Box G5 3DOF motion is available as an option on the Formula Simulator, but there is no evidence Caldwell has this installed. Most competitive drivers choose static setups.

No motion platform has been documented for Caldwell's rig. The Cool Performance Formula Simulator offers optional D-Box G5 3DOF haptic motion (Pitch, Roll, Heave with 1.5" stroke), but competitive sim racers typically prefer static rigs for minimal latency.

Motion Platform None confirmed
Optional D-Box G5 3DOF available

🏁 Sim Racing Background

Olli Caldwell uses his Cool Performance Formula Pro for race preparation across multiple series. Having progressed through the Alpine Academy and FIA Formula 2, his simulator plays a key role in track familiarisation and car setup work. His testimonial about the simulator's realism came in the context of preparing for his first F1 test, highlighting how closely the Cool Performance system replicated real open-wheel driving behaviour.

YearEventNotes
2020-21Alpine AcademySelected for Alpine F1 junior driver programme; developed through feeder series
2021-22FIA Formula 2Competed in F2, the primary feeder series to Formula 1
2023-24F1 Test PreparationUsed Cool Performance Formula Pro to prepare for first F1 test; praised simulator realism
2025European Le Mans SeriesRacing in ELMS LMP2 class with Algarve Pro Racing

Software: Assetto Corsa and iRacing (pre-installed with Formula Pro builds). Used primarily for track learning and race preparation.

📋 Full Hardware List

ComponentModel / SpecificationEst. CostConfidence
WheelbaseLeo Bodnar SimSteering 2 FFB (26Nm)~£4,000Verified
Steering WheelCP-S Custom Carbon Fibre Formula (287mm)~£2,000Verified
PedalsCP-S Hydraulic (AP Racing, 200kg)~£3,500Verified
CockpitCool Performance Formula Simulator~£15,000Verified
SeatCustom Fiberglass Formula Seat~£1,500Verified
DisplaySamsung 49" Odyssey G9 (5120×1440, 240Hz)~£900Verified
HapticsCP-S Haptics SystemIncludedVerified
PCIntel Core i9 + NVIDIA RTX 5080 (Water Cooled)~£2,500Verified

Total estimated value: ~£26,345 (standard Cool Performance Formula Pro configuration with Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 ultrawide).

💰 Cost to Copy Olli's Setup

💡 Budget Alternative (Similar Feel)

Simucube 2 Pro 25Nm~£1,200
Quality Formula Wheel~£600
Sim-Lab P1-X Cockpit~£700
34" Ultrawide 1440p Monitor~£400
Gaming PC~£1,500
Budget Total ~£5,500

Gets you 80% of the performance at a fraction of the price. Heusinkveld load cells replace true hydraulics.

❓ Olli Caldwell Setup FAQ

What sim racing setup does Olli Caldwell use?
Olli Caldwell uses a Cool Performance Formula Pro simulator featuring:

Wheelbase: Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 FFB (26Nm, Kollmorgen AKM54 motor)
Pedals: CP-S Hydraulic with AP Racing master cylinder (200kg brake)
Wheel: CP-S Custom Carbon Fibre Formula (287mm)
Display: Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 ultrawide (5120×1440, 240Hz)
Haptics: CP-S Haptics System
Cockpit: CNC-machined aluminium frame (120kg+, ISO 9001, lifetime warranty)

Total estimated cost: ~£26,345.
What is Olli Caldwell's racing background?
Olli Caldwell is a British racing driver who graduated from the Alpine Academy and competed in FIA Formula 2. In 2025, he races in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) in the LMP2 class with Algarve Pro Racing. He is managed by Matt Parry (PPM Sports), who also owns a Cool Performance GT Pro simulator — highlighting a shared connection to the Cool Performance brand between driver and manager.
Does Olli Caldwell have conflicting simulator brand relationships?
Yes. Olli Caldwell is listed as a Next Level Racing (NLR) ambassador with an F-GT Elite cockpit and triple monitor setup, while also owning a Cool Performance Formula Pro. This is similar to Sacha Fenestraz's situation, where a driver's personal equipment differs from their ambassador brand. Caldwell's Cool Performance testimonial specifically references how realistic the simulator felt during F1 test preparation, suggesting genuine use. It is possible he uses different equipment in different locations or that the relationships serve different purposes.
How much does Olli Caldwell's sim rig cost?
Olli Caldwell's Cool Performance Formula Pro setup is estimated at ~£26,345 (approximately $33,500 USD). This is the standard Formula Pro price which includes the cockpit (~£15,000), Leo Bodnar 26Nm wheelbase (~£4,000), CP-S hydraulic pedals (~£3,500), CP-S carbon fibre wheel (~£2,000), custom formula seat (~£1,500), Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 (~£900), and a water-cooled PC (~£2,500).
Is Olli Caldwell's sim rig sponsored?
Caldwell has relationships with both Cool Performance and Next Level Racing. Cool Performance states that professional drivers choose their simulators "not due to sponsorships or marketing arrangements, but because of the proven success of its simulators." His Cool Performance testimonial references the simulator's realism during F1 test preparation, suggesting genuine use beyond a marketing arrangement. The NLR ambassadorship is a separate commercial relationship.

📚 Sources & Verification

Primary Sources (Tier 1)

Secondary Sources (Tier 2)

📋 Verification Methodology: Equipment verified by cross-referencing Cool Performance official testimonial and standard Formula Simulator specifications. Components match the standard Formula Pro build. NLR ambassadorship noted as a separate commercial relationship. Last audit: February 2026.