Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 Officially Launched

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The Fanatec Formula steering wheels have always had a certain distinctive character: compact, packed with controls and clearly designed for those who want a wide range of functions within easy reach. For years, the ClubSport Formula V2.5 was one of the best-known steering wheels within the Fanatec ecosystem. But let’s be honest: the market has changed. Modern Formula, GT, prototype and endurance steering wheels have become wider, display integration has become more important, and sim racers expect greater control without taking their hands off the wheel.

With the new Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 The Fanatec seems to be a direct response to this. It isn’t a completely new handlebar design, but a targeted modernisation of a handlebar that already had a strong foundation. The diameter increases from 270 to 290 mm, the display is larger, the controls have been rearranged and QR2 Wheel-Side is fitted as standard. That sounds like a small evolution. But with a Formula steering wheel, the difference often lies precisely in those details. Can the ClubSport Formula V3 In 2026, will it still be able to compete? Or is it primarily a classic with a light refinement? Let's find out!

One-sentence summary

The Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 is the direct successor to the Formula V2.5, featuring a larger 290 mm design, a 2.7-inch OLED display, Intelligent Telemetry Mode, improved controls and standard QR2 Wheel-side.

Summary

Fanatec introduces the ClubSport Formula V3 as a new Formula-style steering wheel within the ClubSport ecosystem. The wheel will feature a larger 290 mm diameter, a 2.7-inch white OLED display with Intelligent Telemetry Mode, refined rotary controls, two FunkySwitches, magnetic shifters, and a pre-mounted QR2 Wheel-Side. The European recommended retail price is €349.95.

• The direct successor to the popular Fanatec ClubSport Formula V2.5
• Larger diameter of 290 mm for more comfort and broader usability
• 2.7 inch OLED display with five ITM telemetry layouts
• New thumb rotaries with more resistance and push function
• QR2 Wheel-Side - standard, pre-mounted

What’s new about the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3?

The Fanatec doesn’t overhaul the Formula concept. Nor does it need to. The basics were already there: plenty of inputs, a carbon front plate, RevLEDs, FlagLEDs, magnetic shifters and a compact design that fits well with Formula and prototype cars. The more interesting question is whether the V3 addresses the issues where the ClubSport Formula V2.5 after all these years starting to feel a bit cramped and dated. But is that enough? And isn't a larger integrated display what the market is crying out for?

The answer seems to lie primarily in the width. The diameter is growing to 290 mm. This brings the steering wheel closer to modern GT, prototype, and endurance steering wheels, without completely abandoning the Formula character. This makes the Formula V3 more interesting for sim racers who don't just drive Formula cars, but also regularly switch to LMP, Hypercar, GT3, or multiclass races.

The 20 mm extra sounds minimal, but it is probably the most important change to the entire steering wheel. A larger steering wheel gives your hands a bit more room, makes the input layout less cramped, and can feel more comfortable during longer stints. Especially if you work a lot with rotaries, switches, and display pages, you don't want a steering wheel that feels like everything is just too close together.

Larger OLED display with Intelligent Telemetry Mode: useful, but dependent on your setup

One of the most noticeable changes is the new 2.7-inch white OLED display. This display supports the Fanatec’s Intelligent Telemetry Mode, which allows you to switch between five different telemetry layouts. This includes information such as lap times, deltas, tyre temperatures and other game-specific data.

This is especially interesting if you drive without an external dashboard. If you already have a SimHub screen, a separate DDU or mainly race in VR, then such a display on the steering wheel becomes less important. If you drive on a single monitor, ultrawide or triple setup without an extra dash, then it can be convenient to have information closer to your steering wheel and thus closer to your line of sight.

That’s where the nuance lies. A larger display doesn’t automatically make a steering wheel better. It only becomes valuable if the game support is good and the information remains genuinely useful whilst driving. The nine RGB RevLEDs and six RGB FlagLEDs help with this, as you can pick up important signals such as revs, flags, pit limiter or tyre slip more quickly. You can customise the LED and display behaviour yourself via the Fanatec App.

Improved control during racing: this might be where the real gains lie

Fanatec has also revamped the controls. According to Fanatec, the thumb-operated rotary dials now offer more resistance and feature an integrated push function. That may sound like a minor detail, but it is often details like this that determine whether a steering wheel feels comfortable to use at racing speeds.

A rotary that spins too lightly might feel fast and smooth in the hand. However, during a race, you primarily want certainty. You want to be able to adjust brake bias, traction control, or ABS without accidentally going two clicks too far. More resistance and clearer detents can make a big difference there.

In addition, the steering wheel features three 12-way rotary switches. The central rotary is now also a 12-position switch, creating more space for fixed settings or rotary inputs. Also noteworthy: the previous analogue stick makes way for a second 7-way FunkySwitch. This gives the Formula V3 a multi-functional input on both sides with directional control, push function, and rotary function. This feels more logical for modern race cars, where you increasingly want to be able to control more functions while driving.

In total, the steering wheel offers, among other things:

• 11 face buttons
• two 7-way FunkySwitches
• two 2-way momentary switches
• three 12-way rotary switches
• two thumb-reachable rotary dials with push function
• Nine RGB RevLEDs
• Six RGB FlagLEDs
• 2.7 inch white OLED display

This is relevant for endurance racing, multiclass races, and modern GT or prototype cars. It's precisely in these situations that you want to quickly be able to switch between brake bias, fuel map, TC, ABS, display pages, pit limiter, and other functions while driving, without having to reach for your keyboard.

Magnetic shifters and carbon front plate: trusted ClubSport recipe

The Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 comes with the ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Module. The shifters are CNC-machined from black anodised aluminium and use magnetic resistance to provide a distinct click with every gear change.

The front consists of a 5 mm thick carbon fibre front plate. This keeps the steering wheel within the well-known ClubSport Formula line: stiff, recognisable, and clearly aimed at a premium feel within the Fanatec ecosystem. According to Fanatec, the total weight is approximately 1350 grams, including the quick-release mechanism.

That weight isn’t extremely low, but it’s not unusual for a wheel with a display, LEDs, sturdy shifters, plenty of inputs and QR2. On more robust direct-drive wheelbases, that’s unlikely to be a major issue. On lighter bases, the extra weight of the steering wheel can always have a slight impact on the finesse and speed of force feedback details. That doesn’t necessarily make it a disadvantage, but it is something to bear in mind if you’re using a less powerful Fanatec base.

Replaceable grips and standard QR2: more practical for prolonged use

The grips are made from perforated leather and, according to Fanatec, can be replaced by the user. This is a logical improvement, particularly for a handlebar that is frequently used whilst wearing gloves or during long racing sessions. Wear and tear on grips is not just a theoretical issue with intensive use, but simply something that happens over time.

It is also important to note that the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 comes as standard with QR2 Wheel-Side. This means the handlebars fit directly onto the Fanatec’s newer quick-release platform. For new buyers, this makes perfect sense. For existing Fanatec users, the value depends mainly on their current wheelbase and quick-release configuration.

Specifications Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3

Specification	Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3
Type stuur	Formula-style steering wheel
Diameter	290 mm
Number plate	5 mm carbon fibre
Display	2.7 inch white OLED display
Telemetry	Intelligent Telemetry Mode, game-dependent
RevLEDs	9 RGB RevLEDs
FlagLEDs	6 RGB FlagLEDs
Face buttons	11
FunkySwitches	2 x 7-way FunkySwitch
Momentary switches	2x 2-way
Rotary switches	3 x 12-way
Thumb rotaries	2x with more resistance and pressure function
Shifters	ClubSport Magnetic Paddle Module
Quick release	QR2 Wheel-Side pre-assembled
Grips	Replaceable, perforated leather
Weight	Approximately 1350 grams including quick release
Recommended EU price	€349,95
Availability	Available
Expected dispatch	Usually within 1 to 3 working days
Shipping	Free standard shipping on orders over €29

Why is the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 relevant for sim racers?

The Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 is relevant because Fanatec isn’t trying to invent something new that nobody asked for. Instead, the controller tackles precisely those aspects of the Formula V2.5 that were starting to cause problems: the compact diameter, the limited display space, the outdated input layout and the transition to QR2.

This certainly doesn't make the V3 a spectacular surprise, but it does make it a more logical choice for modern sim racing setups. Especially if you do a lot of endurance racing, GT3, LMP, driving a multiclass Hypercar, you'll want a wheel that not only feels compact and speedy, but also remains comfortable during longer stints.

For existing Formula V2.5 users, the question is simple: do you miss width, display space, more modern controls, or QR2? Then the V3 is interesting. If you are still satisfied with the compact 270mm size and hardly use the display, then upgrading is less obvious.

For new buyers within the Fanatec ecosystem, the situation is different. In that case, the ClubSport Formula V3 is likely to be the obvious choice over the older Formula V2.5. Not because the V2.5 is suddenly a bad option, but because the V3 is better suited to the way sim racing wheels have evolved in recent years.

What still needs to be proven in practice?

As is always the case with new hardware, the real review isn't just in the specs, but in practice. A few points still need to prove themselves:

• How well does Intelligent Telemetry Mode work in the most popular Sims games?
• What is the difference in comfort between 270 mm and 290 mm during long races?
• Do the new thumb rotaries feel less sensitive to unintended input?
• How durable are the replaceable grips in the long term?
• Does the increased weight have a noticeable effect on lighter Fanatec wheelbases?

These are questions that can only be properly answered after prolonged use. On paper, the direction certainly seems logical: less compact, more control, better readability and more modern functionality.

Price and availability of the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3

The Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 is available now via the official Fanatec website. The recommended retail price in Europe is €349.95. According to Fanatec, the steering wheel is currently in stock and is normally dispatched within 1 to 3 working days.

For €349.95, you get a Formula-style steering wheel with a carbon front plate, a 2.7-inch OLED display, RGB LEDs, magnetic shifters, plenty of physical controls and a pre-fitted QR2 Wheel-Side. It’s not cheap, but within the Fanatec ClubSport range, the price makes sense. Especially as you don’t have to factor in the cost of a separate QR2 Wheel-Side.

Fanatec Currently offers free standard delivery on orders over €29. For the Formula V3, this means that, in principle, there are no additional standard delivery charges on top of the RRP. If you’re already part of the Fanatec ecosystem and are looking for a modern Formula-style handlebar with QR2, this is probably the most logical place to start. Check the current price and availability on the official Fanatec product page.

Conclusion: not a clean slate, but precisely the update that was needed

The Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 This is not a steering wheel that redefines the Formula concept. Nor is it necessary. The strength lies precisely in the targeted adjustments: 290 mm diameter, a larger OLED display, Intelligent Telemetry Mode, better rotaries, two FunkySwitches, magnetic shifters and standard QR2.

It is precisely the larger diameter that makes the V3 more interesting than its predecessor. The Formula V2.5 was compact and recognisable, but could also feel a bit cramped for some drivers. The V3 seems to balance that better: still clearly Formula-style, but more usable for modern GT, prototype, and endurance races.

The real test will come in practice. How well does ITM work in popular sims? How do the new rotary engines feel during a race? And how much of a difference do 290 mm really make during longer stints? Until those questions are answered, this remains primarily a strong update on paper. But it is a logical one. And for new buyers within the Fanatec ecosystem, it’s likely to be the most interesting Formula choice right from the start. What do you think of this updated ClubSport V3? Is it an upgrade or a flop? Let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions about the ClubSport Formula V3

What is the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3?

The Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 is a Formula-style sim racing steering wheel and the direct successor to the ClubSport Formula V2.5. The wheel has a diameter of 290 mm, a carbon fibre front plate, a 2.7-inch OLED display, RGB LEDs, magnetic shifters, numerous physical controls and a pre-mounted QR2 Wheel-Side.

What is the difference between the Formula V2.5 and Formula V3?

The biggest difference lies in the diameter, ergonomics and operation. The Formula V3 expands to 290 mm, gets a larger OLED display with Intelligent Telemetry Mode, improved thumb rotaries with push function, a second FunkySwitch, and a standard QR2. This makes the wheel feel more modern and versatile than the more compact Formula V2.5.

Is the ClubSport Formula V3 only suitable for Formula cars?

No, not necessarily. Due to the larger 290mm diameter, the Formula V3 is likely more versatile for multiple racing classes, such as GT, LMP, Hypercar, and endurance racing. However, it remains a Formula-style wheel, so a round wheel would still be more logical for rally, drift, or classic touring cars.

Does the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 have QR2?

Yes, the ClubSport Formula V3 comes with a pre-installed QR2 Wheel-Side as standard. This makes the steering wheel immediately compatible with Fanatec setups that already use QR2. Users with older QR1 configurations should, however, check carefully whether their current wheelbase and quick-release configuration are compatible.

How much does the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 cost?

The European recommended retail price for the Fanatec ClubSport Formula V3 is €349.95. Fanatec states that the steering wheel is in stock and is usually dispatched within 1 to 3 working days. For that price, you get, among other things, a 290 mm Formula-style steering wheel, carbon front plate, OLED display, RGB LEDs, magnetic shifters, extensive controls and QR2 Wheel-Side.