Last Years Ultimate Sim Racer: How Close Was the Competition?

With the 2026 Ultimate Sim Racer now underway, what better time to look back at the competition that started it all?

Last year, more than 30 drivers took on the challenge of proving they had what it takes to become Race Mode’s Ultimate Sim Racer 2025. Four qualifying competitions gave drivers the chance to set their fastest possible lap, with each one featuring a different car, track and country-themed challenge.

And the margins were seriously tight.

Four challenges. One final.

The Dallara F3 at Mugello proved to be one of the most popular combinations of the qualifying competition. There’s something about that car and circuit that rewards concentration and precision—and the more you drive it, the more time you seem to find.

The UK challenge, featuring the Caterham R300 at Cadwell Park, was equally competitive, with just half a second separating the top two drivers.

Germany brought a different challenge. The Sachsenring was perhaps less familiar to many drivers and proved tricky to master. Fewer drivers took on this qualification route, but that didn't mean it was easy. The top three were separated by less than 0.7 seconds, showing just how little room there was for mistakes.

Finally, drivers had the option of the Honda S2000 at Suzuka. A rewarding combination, but one that demanded plenty of practice to get the tricky corners just right. Nail the lap, though, and the time would come.

The pressure was on

After the four qualifying competitions, just eight drivers earned their place in the final.

And getting there was no guarantee—even for some seriously quick drivers.

One competitor was eliminated by just 0.2 seconds, with only an hour remaining before the qualification deadline. With that kind of margin, every braking point, apex and exit mattered.

That's what makes the Ultimate Sim Racer different. Everyone is competing in the same simulator, putting the focus firmly on the person behind the wheel.

The Final

The eight finalists went head-to-head in an evening of sprint races, with a completely different challenge waiting for them in each round.

The 2025 final featured everything from the Peugeot 106 Rallye and Mercedes C-Class DTM to the Ginetta GT4 and Porsche 963 WEC.

With mixed grids and a points-based scoring system, consistency was crucial. One bad race could make a huge difference to the overall standings.

After a hard-fought evening of racing, Adam W took the 2025 Ultimate Sim Racer title, with Michael and Alex finishing close behind.

Now it's time to do it all again!

The 2026 Ultimate Sim Racer brings four brand-new qualifying challenges, followed by a final featuring a wide range of cars and tracks—including some that are new to Race Mode.

Think you've got what it takes?

The battle for the 2026 title is already underway.