Ever wondered what it must be like to drive Max Verstappen’s championship-winning F1 race car? Unless you’re Tom Cruise, it’s almost impossible to get behind the steering wheel of a real F1 car; however, you can get yourself this 2022 Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 Show Car Simulator which promises “an unparalleled F1 experience.” It’s the same high-tech same simulator the Red Bull race car drivers use to hone their skills between races and also looks almost identical to the real deal. But you’ll need to spend a whopping $120,000 to get yourself one of these, which is a lot of money for a racing simulator. In fact, you can buy a brand new Porsche 911 sports car for the same money; but, obviously, you won’t get the adrenaline rush of driving an F1 car from that.
The cutting-edge F1 racing rig has been created by Memento Exclusives, a company founded by ex-Honda F1 lead mechanic Barry Gough. It’s the same outfit that built the 2022 and 2023 Alfa Romeo F1 show cars and claims that this full-size gaming simulator is made using the same processes as the real race cars. In fact, the shell is constructed using CAD data directly from Red Bull to make it looks and feel just like the race car that won 17 of 22 races last season to win the World Constructors’ Championship title.
As far as the equipment goes, it gets a force-feedback, paddle-shift Racing Formula Wheel Mayaris steering wheel with a quick-release design fitted to a Simucube 2 Pro steering wheel base. Furthermore, it’s equipped with an extra-wide, curved AOC gaming monitor along with a Z906 Ultimate THX Surround Sound system. “We are delighted to have co-created a unique sim racing experience that puts drivers in the cockpit of the championship-winning RB18,” said Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal. “Driving a Formula 1 car is something most of us can only dream of, but this simulator is as close as it gets to the real thing. Memento Exclusives have recreated the car to bring the track into your home.”
There are two versions of the simulator. The range-topping Champion’s Edition is priced at £99,999 (about $120,000), while the cheaper Show Car version can be yours for £74,999 (approx. $90,500). The only difference between the two is the front wing section. The pricing is definitely steep, making it accessible to only a select few. However, it’s perfect for millionaires looking to add something exciting to their man caves. It could also be a great addition to luxury yachts; imagine driving on the iconic Monaco circuit on the racing sim while the yacht is parked in the marina next to the actual circuit. Wicked, right?
