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Are There Formula 1 Cars on Iracing

Confused about F1 in iRacing? See which cars exist, how to try them, and beginner-safe steps to start clean and fast. Simple guidance for new to iRacing today.

If you’re new to iRacing and the menus feel like a maze, take a breath. You don’t need to be an engineer to figure this out—you just need a clear path. If you’ve wondered “are there formula 1 cars on iracing,” you’re asking the right question, and the answer is reassuringly simple.

Quick Answer: are there formula 1 cars on iracing?

Yes. iRacing offers licensed F1 cars like the Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance and the McLaren MP4-30. There’s also the Dallara iR-01 (an F1-style car designed with Dallara). Series availability rotates by season, but you can test any owned car on any owned track at any time.

Why This Matters for Beginners

Here’s how iRacing works in a nutshell: you subscribe to the service, then buy the specific cars and tracks you want to use. F1 machinery is fast, technical, and sensitive—amazing to drive but demanding on technique. Many iRacing beginners jump straight into the W12 and get discouraged by spins or long lap times. A smarter path is to sample the F1 cars in Test Drive, then build confidence in “ladder” cars (F4/F3) that teach the same skills at safer speeds. You’ll improve faster and have more fun, without wrecking your Safety Rating.

Simple Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Choose a car: W12 for a modern hybrid-F1 experience; MP4-30 for a classic turbo-hybrid feel; or Dallara iR-01 for pure downforce fun.
  2. Buy one familiar track you enjoy (Silverstone, Spa, or Monza are great F1 staples).
  3. Test Drive: from the car page, click Test; learn brake points, ERS/DRS, and tire behavior.
  4. Join racing: look for official series that use your car, or run hosted/league events while you build pace.
  5. Pair practice with a ladder car (iR-04/F4 or Dallara F3) to sharpen consistency before jumping into crowded F1 grids.

Common Mistakes

  • Diving into races before basics: Fix it by doing 20–30 clean laps in Test Drive first.
  • Changing setup too soon: Drive the baseline, then adjust only brake bias and wings by small steps.
  • Ignoring energy systems: Learn ERS modes and DRS zones; they’re worth seconds per lap when used cleanly.

Quick Pro Tips

  • Start with a “fixed setup” race when available to focus on driving, not tuning.
  • Use an FOV calculator and turn on the virtual mirror—small visibility wins prevent incidents.
  • Watch one fast lap with telemetry/inputs enabled, then copy just the brake points.
  • Save replays and review your first lap and any off-tracks—quickest way to find free time.

When to Ask for Help

If you’re stuck on pace or setups, a quick nudge helps. Search for friendly iRacing Discord communities or team servers—many share beginner setups, track notes, and short coaching clips.

FAQs

  • Do I need a high license to drive these cars?
    You can practice anytime. Official series may require certain license classes; check the current Season Schedule.

  • Are setups included?
    Yes, each car ships with baseline setups. Some series run “fixed” setups so everyone drives the same tune.

  • Do I need a wheel and pedals?
    Strongly recommended. F1 cars demand precise throttle and brake modulation that’s tough on a gamepad.

  • What else do I need besides the car?
    At least one track the series runs. Cars and tracks are sold individually in addition to your subscription.

Final Takeaways

Yes, F1 is in iRacing—and you can try it today. Buy one car, one track, run a focused Test Drive, then hop into a beginner-friendly event. For steady progress, mix in an F4/F3 series and apply these iRacing tips in your next session.