Fanatec Extends Formula 1 Partnership with New Licensing Deal — Corsair Gaming, Inc.

Event summary

Fanatec, a CORSAIR brand, has signed a new multi-year global licensing partnership with Formula 1, expanding their collaboration that began in 2018.
The deal includes the design of next-generation F1-licensed sim racing hardware, such as steering wheels and limited-edition products.
Fanatec remains the Official Sponsor of the F1 Sim Racing World Championship, with a $750,000 prize pool and live broadcasts across Formula 1’s digital platforms.
The Championship will launch at DreamHack, Birmingham on March 27–29, 2026, and continue with a 12-round calendar at Formula 1’s Media and Technology Centre.

The big picture

The extended partnership between Fanatec and Formula 1 underscores the growing convergence of elite motorsport and high-performance sim racing. This deal not only solidifies Fanatec’s position as a leader in sim racing hardware but also highlights the strategic importance of virtual platforms in expanding the reach and engagement of traditional sports. The integration of officially licensed products and live events reflects a broader industry trend towards blending physical and digital experiences to create more immersive and accessible fan interactions.

What we're watching

Product Innovation: How Fanatec’s next-generation F1-licensed hardware will differentiate itself in the competitive sim racing market.
Market Expansion: Whether the partnership can drive further growth in the sim racing ecosystem and attract more participants to the F1 Sim Racing World Championship.
Fan Engagement: The pace at which Fanatec’s simulators will enhance on-site racing experiences at F1 Fan Zones, strengthening the connection between virtual and real-world racing.