Since its first use in the aerospace industry during the 1960s, the experimental F1 parts in the late 70’s, and the McLaren MP4/1 in 1981, carbon fiber has become an essential material for high-performance applications that benefit from its two main qualities: strength and lightness. By combining these attributes, carbon fiber offers performance advantages that metals like steel and even aluminum simply cannot match, and it's one of the reasons it's used in Fanatec Steering Wheels.
The science behind carbon fiber
At its core, carbon fiber is made from strands of carbon atoms tightly bonded together. These strands are woven into fabrics, then combined with resin to form a composite. The result is a material with exceptional tensile strength while remaining remarkably light. For racing applications, this means parts that can withstand high stress without adding unnecessary weight.
Why weight matters
Every gram saved in motorsport can make a difference. Lighter bodywork and components improve acceleration, braking, and handling. This principle carries over to sim racing hardware. While weight savings don’t have such a direct effect on speed as in a race car, the impact is still significant. A lighter steering wheel, for example, can deliver faster force feedback response, making the driving experience feel sharper and more realistic. And for those running an advanced motion system, the overall weight of the cockpit makes a big difference to the performance of the motion actuators.
Carbon fiber in Fanatec products
Fanatec has made use of carbon fiber as a structural and decorative material for years, and the material continues to feature in many current Fanatec products. The ClubSport Steering Wheel RS features carbon accents that enhance the motorsport-inspired design. The ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 and ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula V2.5 X features a 5 mm-thick carbon fiber panel. And the Podium Steering Wheel BMW M4 GT3 uses a full carbon fiber body to ensure the best possible strength to weight ratio.
The Podium Advanced Paddle Module also features carbon fiber paddles, and the QR2 Lite Wheel-Side and QR2 Lite Base-Side and motor shaft of the CSL DD and Gran Turismo® DD Pro bases use carbon fiber-reinforced composite for strength and lightness.
Beyond performance
Carbon fiber also carries an aesthetic appeal. The distinctive weave has become a visual shorthand for performance and technology. Forged carbon gives an alternative appearance, made by compressing chopped carbon fiber strands with resin in a heated mold, which produces a random pattern with a distinctive marbled look. This finish has been applied to the BMW M4 GT3 wheel, and also the front face of the Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3, and the ClubSport Racing Wheel F1®, ensuring that every unit is unique.