If you’ve always wanted to get behind the wheel of a Formula One race car – and you happen to have a few hundred thou casually kicking around (you know, just taking up space in your bank account) – this is your time.
The Red Bull Racing team and sports memorabilia specialists Memento Exclusives have teamed up to repurpose some genuine ex-show cars from the 2022 season, turning them into state-of-the-art racing simulators that you can purchase for the F1 experience at home.
“We are delighted to have co-created a unique sim racing experience that puts drivers in the cockpit of the championship-winning RB18,” said Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner in a statement.
“Driving a Formula 1 car is something most of us can only dream of, but this simulator is as close as it gets to the real thing. Memento Exclusives have recreated the car to bring the track into your home.”
The simulator is modelled after the RB18, which has been one of the most successful F1 cars in recent history. Designed by the Chief Technology Officer at Red Bull Racing, Adrian Newey, the RB18 took out a whopping 17 of the 23 Grand Prix races that were held in the 2022 season, so you know the in-home version is legit.
Oh, and did we mention you can pick from two colourways, reflecting your favourite drivers? Choose from the livery of Mexico’s Sergio Pérez or Dutch driver Max Verstappen.
Now, we know what you’re thinking: how much is one of these babies going to set me back? And look, they ain’t cheap – going for around $185,404 for the Champions Edition. But if you compare that to Australian house prices right now, it’s a drop in the ocean, and who needs a home anyway?
And if you’re looking for something a little less flashy, you can always opt for the Race Edition, which has fewer bells and whistles but is a very reasonable $139,053.
The Champions Edition simulator comes with a show car nose and front wing assembly, for that truly authentic experience, and both editions are “created using the same processes as the real race cars,” reads the online listing, featuring everything from working adjustable gaming pedals to the fully authentic and functional steering wheel – right down to the real-time info display.
“These Show Car Simulators offer an unparalleled F1 experience. These simulators are also very similar to the ones used by the drivers themselves as they prepare to storm the F1 tracks, allowing you to feel even closer to the sport and the drivers you love.”
And look, if you’re strapped for cash, maybe you can get the boys to chuck in. You and 99 of your best mates, at $1855 each? What a steal.
