Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 driver Kimi Antonelli has 1-of-1 racing simulator worth $60,000 that's helped him win multiple GPs
Published on Jun 28, 2026 at 3:54 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jun 28, 2026 at 3:54 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
This is the 1-of-1 racing simulator that has helped Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 driver Kimi Antonelli win multiple GPs.
Cool Performance founder Oliver Norris took viewers on a walk-through of the bespoke Formula Pro simulator built specially for the Mercedes F1 driver.
Developed over three months, the $60,000 simulator features a customized look tailored to Antonelli’s preferences.
It’s a remarkable creation, and the racer is a big fan of it.
This racing simulator comes in handy for Kimi Antonelli in more ways than one
There are two primary functions of this racing simulator for Antonelli – entertainment in which he plays iRacing with his friends, and professional training in which he preps for upcoming race weekends.
The simulator makes extensive use of carbon fiber from the floor tray to the rear plate.
The color scheme is matte black and metallic silver, with turquoise stitching and trim.
And if there was any doubt that this was personally made from Antonelli, look no further than the bespoke finishing touches.
That includes his initials, his race number, and even his signature across the back of the seat.
How this simulator creates the feel of a race car
The pedal setup is highly tunable and adjusted to match Antonelli’s real race car, from the heel rest distance/angle to the pressure.
Higher up, an authentic Mercedes steering wheel sits in an adjustable steering column, alongside a rocker paddle system, a clutch system, and several dials and switches.
“To help Kimi be fully immersed and feel so super natural, it’s got the same setup as he’d be using on the front and back with a incredible clutch system,” Norris explained.
And how about the seating?
Its formula-style position is paired with a tactile feedback system.
Many professional drivers prefer this feedback over full-motion rigs, arguing that the former provides a racing experience that’s truer to life.
We’ve seen a lot of cool racing simulators
As more and more drivers opt to use racing simulators, companies like Cool Performance are reaping the rewards.
Formula One drivers like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris will mostly use iRacing.
But others may use simulators such as Assetto Corsa, Le Mans Ultimate, rFactor 2, and more.
It’s coming a long way from being thought of as a ‘sweaty gamer’ hobby, and events such as the Virtual Le Mans 24 Hours also helped with that.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
