Cool Performance Asks Lando Norris: What's the best F1 and GT simulator?

It's great to be in Monaco with you, what are we up to today?

"Welcome to Monaco, welcome to my home. Today’s an exciting day: I’ve just installed my brand-new GT Pro simulator to sit alongside my Formula Pro simulator from Cool Performance, and I couldn’t be happier to share why this setup is so important for me as a driver.

Simulators have been part of my life since I was six or seven years old — nearly 15 years of virtual racing. Not only do I use them because I genuinely enjoy the experience, but they’ve also played a massive role in my development as a driver. Especially over the winter, when I’m not physically in a race car, the simulator keeps my muscle memory sharp and my instincts alive. Starting young made this even more valuable; when you’re seven, eight, nine, ten years old, these tools shape the foundation of who you become behind the wheel."

So Lando, what makes a simulator truly great?

"There are two critical components that determine whether a simulator is just good fun — or seriously useful for real-world racing:

1. High-quality pedals
2. A proper steering wheel with realistic force feedback

Both of these are absolutely essential, and I’m fortunate to have top-tier versions of each in my Cool Performance setup.

The brake pedal, in particular, is something most people underestimate. You want your pedals to replicate the category or series you’re racing in — GT cars, Formula 4, Formula 3, Formula 2, Formula One, anything. Your feet and legs need to work in the same way they do in the real car so your muscle memory transfers naturally.

The same goes for the steering. You want the resistance, weight, and feel to be identical to the car you’re training for. With this system, I can tune it to be perfectly realistic — or dial it up to be ridiculously heavy for a proper arm workout.

When these two elements replicate the real world as closely as possible, the simulator becomes an incredibly powerful training tool."

"For me, customization comes down to two main areas: fit and look.

Fit is everything. If you’re going to spend hours on the simulator — and trust me, you will — you need a setup that feels natural and supports your body.

With this rig, I can adjust:

• Pedals: forward, backward, angle, heel rest height — all tailored to exactly how my legs and feet prefer to work.

• Seat: forward, back, up, down, recline — all tuned to match the position that gives me comfort and lap time.

• Steering wheel: angle, height, distance — whether I want a more upright GT style or a reclined single-seater feel.

Just like in a real race car, the goal is simple: make the driver as comfortable and as fast as possible.

Then there’s the aesthetic side of the simulator — something I put a lot of effort into. I’ve customized mine with carbon fiber elements, including a carbon floor tray under the pedals. I’ve chosen greys, blacks, and carbon to match the style of my home.

Your simulator room should feel like a place you want to spend time in. Whether you prefer bright colours, darker themes, or something totally unique, you can tailor it to suit your space. "

"A lot of people think the most important investments in motorsport are on the track: the best team, the best equipment, the best engineering. And while that’s true, there’s another side to success — the investment you make away from the track.

 

For me, hours spent on the simulator have been crucial. It’s where I learn, where I refine my craft, where I stay sharp when I can’t be in a real race car. It has been a big part of my life, and I genuinely believe that if you want to reach the top level of motorsport — in any category — a proper simulator setup is one of the best tools you can have.

This isn’t just training. It’s preparation. It’s passion. And for me, it’s home.

Cool Performance is the best option in terms of development and accuracy, I arrive at the track fully prepared."

Watch the full Lando Norris interview here and see what else he says about our simulators here.