F1 Simulator vs GT-Style Sim Rig: Which Setup Should You Buy? (2026)

There is no single "right" sim racing cockpit. The right one depends on what you drive and how you want to sit while you drive it. Choosing between an F1 simulator and a GT-style sim rig is the first big fork in the road. It shapes the wheel you buy, the pedals you run, the games you play, and how the rig fits in your space.

If you watch iRacing F4 streams one minute and Gran Turismo lap battles the next, you are not alone. This guide breaks down the real differences between an F1 simulator and a GT-style sim rig. It covers the hardware implications and walks through the Next Level Racing cockpits Pagnian Imports stocks for each style. By the end, you should be able to make the call without second-guessing it.

Stock note: Every Next Level Racing cockpit referenced in this guide is available from Pagnian Imports, the authorised Australian distributor for Next Level Racing. Local stock, AUD pricing, and a 12-month Australian warranty apply.

The Core Difference: Driving Position

Seating position draws the line between an F1 simulator and a GT-style rig. Everything else flows from that single decision.

Formula and F1 Position

In a formula or F1-style position, you sit low and reclined. Your legs extend out in front of you, and your arms rise toward a wheel mounted higher and closer to your chest. This setup mimics the cockpit of an open-wheel race car. Brake and throttle pedals sit forward and slightly elevated, so your knees stay relatively flat. It is a committed, immersive position. As a result, it suits formula, prototype, and open-wheel sims like iRacing F4, Automobilista 2, rFactor 2, and the Codemasters F1 series.

GT and Touring Position

A GT-style position sits closer to a real road car or touring car. You sit more upright, with your feet lower and forward. The wheel mounts at a more conventional height, and the seat reclines to taste. Most sim racers default to this position, and for good reason. It is the ergonomically familiar choice for GT3, GT4, touring car, rally, and general road-car sims like Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport, Assetto Corsa Competizione, and Le Mans Ultimate.

Neither position is objectively better. They serve different driving styles. However, the most common mistake is buying one without thinking about which type of sim racing you actually do most of the time.

F1 Simulator vs GT-Style Sim Rig at a Glance

The table below summarises the key differences between F1 and GT-style sim rigs. Detailed breakdowns and Pagnian-stocked Next Level Racing product recommendations follow.

Factor	F1 / Formula Sim Rig	GT-Style Sim Rig
Seating	Low, reclined, legs extended	Upright, feet below, road-car style
Wheel mount height	High, close to chest	Standard, in front of seat
Pedal mount	Forward and elevated	Forward and lower
Best for	Open-wheel, prototype, F1 sims	GT, touring, rally, road-car sims
Wheel rim style	Rectangular formula wheels	Round GT-style wheels
Footprint	Often longer due to extended legs	More compact in length
Next Level Racing options at Pagnian	Formula Lite Pro, F-GT Lite, F-GT Elite Lite, F-GT Elite 160, F-GT Pro	GTLite, GTLite Pro, GTRacer 2.0, GTElite, F-GT Pro

What Defines an F1 Simulator Sim Rig

An F1 sim rig (or formula sim rig) builds around the formula driving position. The frame supports a fixed or formula-style seat at a low angle. Pedals sit forward and slightly raised, and the wheel deck rises to bring the wheel close to the driver. Most dedicated formula cockpits ship without a seat slider, because formula drivers traditionally adjust the pedals rather than the seat.

A rectangular formula-style wheel rim and load cell pedals on a forward plate suit this rig best. Direct drive is almost always the preferred choice at this level, because formula sims punish low-resolution force feedback. Even mid-range bases like the Moza R5, Fanatec CSL DD, or Logitech Pro Wheel feel a step ahead of belt-driven gear in this position.

Best Use Cases

·       iRacing F4, F3, F1, and prototype series

·       Automobilista 2 formula and prototype racing

·       Codemasters F1 (most recent titles)

·       rFactor 2 open-wheel content

·       Drivers who want maximum immersion in single-seater simulation

Considerations

·       Less practical if you primarily race GT, touring, or rally titles

·       Often a longer footprint due to extended legs and forward pedal mount

·       Getting in and out is less convenient than a GT-style upright seat

·       Not the natural choice for casual or shared-use sim setups

What Defines a GT-Style Sim Rig

A GT-style sim rig uses an upright seating position closer to a road car. The seat reclines, the wheel mounts at a typical road-car height, and the pedals sit lower and slightly forward. Most GT-style cockpits feature a reclining bucket seat with seat sliders for easy entry and exit, plus an adjustable pedal tray to dial in distance.

This is the default choice for most sim racers. GT racing, touring cars, rally, and road-car simulation cover the bulk of popular titles. In addition, the upright position is more comfortable for long sessions and easier to share with family or housemates. It also works well as a streaming or content setup. Round GT-style wheels feel right at home, and the position translates cleanly between sim brands and game genres.

Best Use Cases

·       Assetto Corsa Competizione and the original Assetto Corsa

·       Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation

·       Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon on PC and Xbox

·       Le Mans Ultimate, Automobilista 2 GT and touring car content

·       EA Sports WRC, DiRT Rally 2.0, and most rally titles

·       Drivers who race a mix of disciplines and want one rig that handles all of it

Considerations

·       Not optimal if your primary sims are formula or open-wheel titles

·       The upright position is less immersive for single-seater racing

·       Some pure GT cockpits cannot convert to a formula position later

Hardware Implications: Wheels, Pedals, and Mounting

Cockpit choice has knock-on effects across the rest of your setup. The most obvious is the wheel rim. Formula sim drivers typically run a rectangular formula-style wheel with a flat top and bottom, paddle shifters, and a button-heavy face. GT drivers usually run a round 300mm to 320mm rim, sometimes with a suede or leather grip for longer stints.

Most modern wheelbases (Moza, Fanatec, Asetek) support quick release between rim styles. As a result, you are not locked in for life. However, budget for two rims if you genuinely race both disciplines.

Pedal placement also changes between styles. Formula rigs benefit from the brake mounted slightly higher and angled to match an extended-leg position. GT rigs run pedals lower and flatter. Most Next Level Racing cockpits handle this with an adjustable pedal tray. Even so, it is worth checking the range of adjustment if you intend to switch styles.

In addition, wheelbase torque matters more in formula sims. The kerbs and curbs in F1 and prototype sims hit hard and fast. Therefore, if your primary use is formula racing, lean toward a higher torque base on your shortlist.

The Multi-Position Option: F-GT Cockpits

If you race both formula and GT titles regularly, the most practical answer is not to choose at all. The F-GT range from Next Level Racing is built for exactly this situation. F-GT cockpits convert between formula, GT, and (on some models) hybrid positions using adjustable seat rails, pedal trays, and wheel decks. You change positions in minutes, without tools on the higher-end models, and run the same hardware in either configuration.

As a result, the F-GT family is the most popular cockpit category in the Next Level Racing range. Most sim racers do not race only GT or only formula. They race both, sometimes in the same week, and they want one rig that handles both without compromise.

Next Level Racing Cockpits Stocked at Pagnian

Pagnian Imports stocks the full Next Level Racing cockpit range. The recommendations below cover entry-level to flagship options across pure formula, pure GT, and multi-position rigs. Pricing in AUD is indicative; verify against the current Pagnian listing before ordering.

Formula Lite Pro

The Formula Lite Pro is Next Level Racing's dedicated foldable formula cockpit. It commits fully to the formula position with a pedal plate angled forward and elevated, a high wheel deck, and a frame that folds away when not in use. This is the pick for sim racers who want a true F1 sim feel without dedicating a full room to it.

Best for: F1 and open-wheel-focused racers who need to pack the rig away between sessions.

F-GT Lite 

The F-GT Lite is the foldable multi-position cockpit. It converts between formula and GT positions and folds down for storage. In addition, it is the most affordable way to access a switchable position cockpit in the NEXT LEVEL RACING range. It remains a popular choice for apartment-friendly setups.

Best for: Mixed-discipline racers with limited space who want flexibility without the price jump to a rigid frame.

GTLite and GTLite Pro 

The Lite range covers GT-position foldable cockpits. The standard GTLite is the entry option and supports wheelbases up to 10Nm. The GTLite Pro lifts that to 13Nm and supports heavier users. Both fold flat and ship with built-in roller wheels for easy storage.

Best for: GT-focused racers in shared spaces who want a permanent feel that packs away.

GTRacer 2.0 

The GTRacer 2.0 is Next Level Racing's best value permanent GT cockpit. It is built on a 25mm tubular steel chassis with a wide GT-style seat and an adjustable pedal tray. Furthermore, it handles direct drive bases up to 13Nm. It is the natural pairing for a Moza R9, Fanatec CSL DD, or similar mid-range setup.

Best for: GT-focused racers with a dedicated space and a mid-range direct drive wheel.

GTElite Aluminium Cockpit 

The GTElite is the entry into Next Level Racing's aluminium profile range. It is stiffer, more modular, and more upgrade-friendly than steel tube rigs. Therefore, it is the right choice for serious GT racers who want a long-term platform. However, it does not convert to a formula position. Commit only if GT is your primary focus.

Best for: Serious GT racers running high-end direct drive who want maximum rigidity in a GT-only platform.

F-GT Elite Lite 

The F-GT Elite Lite brings aluminium profile construction to the multi-position F-GT format. It is more accessible in price than the full-size 160. It converts between formula and GT positions and offers the same modularity benefits as the wider Elite range.

Best for: Mixed-discipline racers who want aluminium profile rigidity without the flagship price.

F-GT Elite 160 

The F-GT Elite 160 is the flagship aluminium profile multi-position cockpit. It is wider, longer, and built for high-torque direct drive setups in either formula or GT configuration. In addition, the Scuderia Ferrari Edition adds officially licensed Ferrari styling for sim racers who want the full team look.

Best for: Serious mixed-discipline racers running high-end direct drive who want the most capable aluminium profile F-GT cockpit.

F-GT Pro: The Hero

The F-GT Pro is the most advanced cockpit Next Level Racing has produced. It is built on the MonkeyDriver platform and is the only FIA Licensed cockpit in the range. Furthermore, it switches between formula, GT, and hybrid positions using tool-free adjustments and supports direct drive bases up to 25Nm. At $1,399 AUD it is a serious investment. However, for sim racers who race across multiple disciplines and want one rig that does it all at the highest level, it is the cockpit to beat.

Best for: Sim racers who want the most capable multi-position cockpit available in Australia and run high-end hardware to match.

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F1 Simulator or GT-Style Sim Rig: How to Choose

Use the framework below to land the decision. Most sim racers fall into one of three buckets.

Choose a Pure F1 Sim Setup If

·       Open-wheel and formula racing fills the majority of your seat time

·       You want maximum immersion in single-seater simulation

·       You are comfortable not racing GT or touring cars regularly

·       Formula Lite Pro is the natural Next Level Racing pick if space is tight

Choose a Pure GT-Style Sim Rig If

·       GT, touring, road-car, and rally titles dominate your library

·       You share the rig with family or housemates and want easy entry and exit

·       You do not race formula sims now, and you don't see that changing

·       GTLite, GTRacer 2.0, or GTElite cover the price spectrum from entry to flagship

Choose a Multi-Position F-GT Cockpit If

·       You race a mix of formula and GT titles and don't want to choose

·       You want one cockpit that adapts as your sim preferences change over time

·       You want the longest-term platform across the broadest range of sims

·       F-GT Lite, F-GT Elite Lite, F-GT Elite 160, or F-GT Pro depending on budget and torque needs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert a GT-style cockpit into a formula position later?

Generally no, unless the cockpit is part of the F-GT range. GT-only cockpits like the GTLite, GTRacer 2.0, and GTElite are not designed to switch positions. Therefore, if there's any chance you'll want a formula position in future, start with an F-GT model.

Do I need a different wheel for F1 sims and GT sims?

Not strictly, but it makes a difference. A rectangular formula-style wheel is more authentic for F1 and open-wheel sims. In contrast, a round 300mm to 320mm rim feels right for GT racing. Most modern wheelbases support quick release between rims, so you can run both on the same base.

Is a multi-position F-GT cockpit a real compromise compared to a dedicated rig?

On entry-level F-GT models, position transitions involve a few minutes of adjustment, and the geometry compromises between styles. However, on higher-end models like the F-GT Elite 160 and the F-GT Pro, the engineering has matured. Most drivers cannot tell the difference between the cockpit's formula mode and a dedicated formula rig in real driving feel. The F-GT Pro in particular is FIA Licensed and built on the MonkeyDriver platform for this reason.

How much torque does an F1 sim rig need?

F1 and prototype sims punish low-end gear. The kerbs hit harder and faster. As a baseline, 8Nm is the minimum we recommend for a serious F1 sim rig (Moza R5 boosted, Fanatec CSL DD with Boost Kit 180, or above). For a more authentic feel at the limit, look at 12Nm and beyond. The GTRacer 2.0 and Elite range support that level, and the F-GT Pro stretches to 25Nm.

Does Pagnian provide setup advice for first-time buyers?

Yes. Pagnian Imports is the authorised Australian distributor for Next Level Racing and runs a Gold Coast showroom. The team can advise on cockpit, wheelbase, pedals, and accessories matched to your space, budget, and the sims you actually race. In addition, all Next Level Racing products purchased through Pagnian come with a 12-month Australian warranty.

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Browse the full Next Level Racing cockpit range at Pagnian Imports, including the F-GT Pro, F-GT Elite 160, GTElite, GTRacer 2.0, GTLite, and Formula Lite Pro. Need help choosing your F1 simulator or GT-style sim rig? Contact the Pagnian team for personalised advice.