“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
| Component | Model / Spec | Metric | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 FFB | 26Nm | ~£4,000 |
| Steering Wheel | CP-S Custom Carbon Fibre Formula | 287mm | ~£2,000 |
| Pedals | CP-S Hydraulic (AP Racing) | 200kg Brake | ~£3,500 |
| Cockpit | Cool Performance Formula Simulator | 120kg+ Frame | ~£15,000 |
| Seat | Custom Fiberglass Formula Seat | F1 Position | ~£1,500 |
| Display | Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 | 5120×1440, 240Hz | ~£900 |
| Haptics | CP-S Haptics System | Integrated | Included |
| PC | Intel 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
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.
[Steering Wheel] CP-S Custom Carbon Fibre Formula Wheel VerifiedActive
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.
[Pedals] CP-S Hydraulic Pedals with AP Racing Master Cylinder VerifiedActive
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.
[Cockpit] Cool Performance Formula Simulator VerifiedActive
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.
[Display] Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 Ultrawide VerifiedActive
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.
[Haptics] CP-S Haptics System VerifiedActive
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.
[Motion] None Confirmed — Static Setup EstimatedStatic
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.
🏁 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.
| Year | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Alpine Academy | Selected for Alpine F1 junior driver programme; developed through feeder series |
| 2021-22 | FIA Formula 2 | Competed in F2, the primary feeder series to Formula 1 |
| 2023-24 | F1 Test Preparation | Used Cool Performance Formula Pro to prepare for first F1 test; praised simulator realism |
| 2025 | European Le Mans Series | Racing 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
| Component | Model / Specification | Est. Cost | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 FFB (26Nm) | ~£4,000 | Verified |
| Steering Wheel | CP-S Custom Carbon Fibre Formula (287mm) | ~£2,000 | Verified |
| Pedals | CP-S Hydraulic (AP Racing, 200kg) | ~£3,500 | Verified |
| Cockpit | Cool Performance Formula Simulator | ~£15,000 | Verified |
| Seat | Custom Fiberglass Formula Seat | ~£1,500 | Verified |
| Display | Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 (5120×1440, 240Hz) | ~£900 | Verified |
| Haptics | CP-S Haptics System | Included | Verified |
| PC | Intel Core i9 + NVIDIA RTX 5080 (Water Cooled) | ~£2,500 | Verified |
Total estimated value: ~£26,345 (standard Cool Performance Formula Pro configuration with Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 ultrawide).
💰 Cost to Copy Olli's Setup
Olli's Cool Performance Rig
💡 Budget Alternative (Similar Feel)
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?
• 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?
Does Olli Caldwell have conflicting simulator brand relationships?
How much does Olli Caldwell's sim rig cost?
Is Olli Caldwell's sim rig sponsored?
📚 Sources & Verification
Primary Sources (Tier 1)
- Cool Performance Official Website — Confirms Olli Caldwell as Formula Pro user with testimonial
- Cool Performance — Formula Simulator Product Page — Standard specifications and pricing
- SimLuxx — Cool Performance Formula Simulator — Pricing and detailed specs
Secondary Sources (Tier 2)
- Pro-Sim Testimonials — Pro-Sim is the technology partner behind Cool Performance
- Simulator Showroom — Pricing Reference