How Assists Help New Players in F1 Sim Racing Games

F1 sim racing can be as thrilling as it is unforgiving. Formula 1 cars are complex machines, and replicating their handling virtually presents a steep learning curve. That’s where driving assists—also called driver aids—come in. Far from being a crutch, they act as training wheels, helping newcomers build confidence, master core skills, and progressively transition to a realistic, assist-free experience.

Assists in titles like F1 25 or iRacing simplify various aspects of car control:

• ABS & Traction Control prevent wheel lock-ups and spins, enabling smoother braking and throttle modulation.
• Racing Line overlays ideal trajectories and braking points, teaching track layouts and cornering angles.
• Automatic Gear Shifts, ERS & DRS Assists manage complex systems, allowing you to focus on steering and racecraft before tackling energy deployment and gear-changes manually.

New drivers often struggle to keep the car on track. High downforce and sensitive inputs make F1 sims twitchy. With ABS and traction control engaged, minor mistakes—like wheelspin out of slow corners or locking up under braking—are forgiven, so you can concentrate on hitting apexes and learning throttle release points without punishment.

A balanced setup might look like this:

• ABS: On
• Traction Control: Full or Medium
• Racing Line: Full (then Corners Only)
• Automatic Gearbox: On
• ERS/DRS Assist: On
• Pit Assist: On

This lets you experience the core sensations—braking zones, weight transfer, racing lines—while remaining unoverwhelmed.

As you grow more comfortable, phase out assists one by one. For example:

1. Switch the racing line from Full to Corners Only
2. Reduce Traction Control, then disable ABS
3. Turn off ERS/DRS Assists and switch to Manual Gearbox
4. Increase AI difficulty or tackle Time Trials to refine precision

This progressive approach keeps frustration low, motivation high, and ensures each new skill is mastered before moving on.

Even professional drivers use driving aids when training in advanced simulators. The goal is to learn racecraft, tire management, and overtaking tactics without being swamped by technical controls. Over time, most players transition to a more authentic, assist-free experience that closely emulates real F1 racing.

For beginners looking to upgrade from a gamepad, Fanatec offers the CSL DD QR2 Ready2Race F1 Esports Bundle (5 Nm), which includes the officially licensed ClubSport Steering Wheel F1® Esports V2, magnetic shifters, customizable LEDs, and CSL Pedals. This setup provides the perfect balance of accessibility and realism. As your skills evolve, the Fanatec ecosystem allows you to swap in higher-end components—like the ClubSport Racing Wheel F1®—without replacing your entire rig.