"It's almost like a test day when I'm in the simulator. And it's really valuable for me – and for the team – approaching the weekend."— Valtteri Bottas on simulator work (Traxion.gg)
🎮 Sim Racing Activity
Esports Participation
F1 Virtual Monaco Grand Prix (May 2020) — One-off appearance during COVID-19 lockdown. Did not continue with the series.
Games/Sims Used
F1 2019/2020 — Used for Virtual Grand Prix. Professional F1 Simulators — Primary focus at Mercedes/Cadillac facilities.
Team Affiliation
None — Not affiliated with any esports team. Unlike teammates who joined Team Redline or similar organizations.
Streaming
No Twitch/YouTube streaming — Does not stream sim racing content unlike Norris, Leclerc, Russell, or Albon.
🛠️ Hardware Breakdown
🎯 Core Components (Verified)
[Wheelbase] Fanatec Podium DD (Podium Racing Wheel F1) VerifiedHome
The Fanatec Podium Racing Wheel F1 is a bundled package that includes the Podium DD1 wheelbase and the F1-style steering wheel. This was Fanatec's flagship direct drive system at the time of Bottas's setup (2020). The wheel features the signature F1 form factor with paddle shifters and rotary encoders. His unit was customized with Mercedes-AMG Petronas colors to match his team livery.
[Cockpit] Playseat Formula Intelligence VerifiedHome
The Playseat Formula Intelligence is a professional-grade F1-style cockpit developed in partnership with F1 teams. It features an adjustable seating position to match actual F1 car ergonomics. Bottas's unit was wrapped in Mercedes-AMG Petronas livery, creating a visually striking setup that matched his team identity at the time. The tubular steel frame is designed to handle high-torque direct drive wheelbases without flex.
[Monitor] ASUS ROG Ultrawide VerifiedHome
Bottas uses a single ASUS ROG ultrawide monitor rather than a triple-screen or VR setup. The exact model is not confirmed, but ASUS ROG ultrawides from the 2020 era (such as the XG35VQ or XG349C) typically featured 34-35" curved panels with high refresh rates. Single ultrawide monitors offer a compromise between immersion and simplicity, suitable for casual sim racing.
❓ Estimated/Unverified Components
[Pedals] Fanatec ClubSport V3 (Estimated) EstimatedUnconfirmed
The Fanatec ClubSport V3 pedals would be a natural companion to the Podium DD wheelbase. They feature a load cell brake pedal and adjustable pedal positions. However, it's also possible Bottas uses the Podium pedals or another brand entirely — no photos clearly show his pedal setup.
[Motion Platform] None Assumed
Based on available photos and videos of Bottas's home setup, there is no indication of a motion platform. The Playseat Formula Intelligence appears to be used in its standard static configuration. This is consistent with a casual sim racing approach rather than a full-immersion setup.
[PC Specifications] Unknown
The Top Gear article notes "even if we don't have the numbers, we can assume there are high-performance internal components here to match the sick gear." No GPU, CPU, or other PC specs have been publicly disclosed.
[VR Headset] None Assumed
Bottas appears to use a monitor-based setup exclusively. There is no indication he has used VR for sim racing.
💰 Estimated Build Cost
🏠 Bottas Home Setup (Estimated)
Based on verified 2020 components
📊 Comparison Context
How this compares to other F1 drivers
Note: Bottas's setup is more modest, reflecting his casual approach to sim racing versus drivers who compete seriously in esports.
🏢 Professional vs. Home Simulation
Mercedes Factory Simulator
As Mercedes reserve driver for 2025, Bottas's primary simulator work takes place at the factory in Brackley, UK. The team's professional simulator is a multi-million dollar installation with full motion, hydraulic systems, and real-time telemetry correlation. This is where Bottas does the bulk of his "simulator work" mentioned in interviews — not at home.
Cadillac F1 (2026)
Starting in late 2025, Bottas has begun integration work with Cadillac F1 at their Silverstone facility. As noted by RaceFans, "one of his first tasks at Cadillac is calibration and technical work on their simulator, given he has more recent experience in that area than Perez."
Home Rig (Finland/Monaco)
Bottas's home setup was acquired in April/May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. He has residences in Monaco, McLaren Vale (Australia), and a lake house in Finland. It's unclear which location houses the sim rig, or if he has multiple setups. The home rig appears to be used very casually, if at all, in recent years.
📚 Sources & Verification
- Top Gear Philippines (May 2020) — Primary source: Confirms Playseat F1, Fanatec Podium F1 wheel, ASUS ROG ultrawide
- Playseat Official Website — Lists Bottas among professional drivers who use Formula Intelligence
- Crash.net (April 2020) — Reports Bottas received sim rig, quote about planning to race online
- RaceFans — Documents Bottas's one-off Virtual GP appearance (Monaco 2020)
- Formula1.com — Official confirmation of Virtual GP participation
- Traxion.gg — Quote about simulator value for race preparation
- RaceFans (Dec 2025) — Cadillac integration and simulator work
⚠️ Important Context: Casual vs. Competitive Sim Racer
Unlike F1 colleagues Max Verstappen (Team Redline, 8,700+ iRating), Lando Norris (Quadrant, regular Twitch streams), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari Esports involvement), or George Russell (Virtual GP winner), Valtteri Bottas is not an active sim racer. His setup was acquired specifically for the 2020 Virtual Grand Prix series during COVID-19, and he made only a single appearance. He does not:
- Stream sim racing on Twitch or YouTube
- Compete in iRacing leagues or maintain a public iRating
- Have an esports team affiliation
- Regularly participate in Virtual Le Mans, Daytona 24, or similar events
- Publicly discuss or showcase his home sim equipment
His focus remains on professional F1 simulator work at team facilities (Mercedes 2017-2021, Alfa Romeo/Sauber 2022-2024, Mercedes reserve 2025, Cadillac 2026), which is fundamentally different from home sim racing for entertainment or esports competition.