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One of the first challenges when jumping into F1 25 for the first time is learning the button layout and how to control your car. After all, the cars in F1 25 can reach over 200mph, so it’s probably a good idea to know which input controls the brake!
You can use a wide variety of controllers and racing wheels in F1 25, with many of the popular racing wheels and controllers supported in game by default.
In this guide, I’m going to run through and explain how to change your button layout and look at what each control does in F1 25.
By default, F1 25 automatically assigns all of the inputs on your controller to inputs in game. This default button mapping layout is the same across all platforms, with the only differences being the name of the buttons the inputs are mapped to.
For example, gear up is controlled by the A button on an Xbox controller, and the X button on a PS5 DualShock controller. However, these two buttons are in the same place, just labelled differently on each platform.
Below is the default button mapping layout for F1 25 on each platform.
--- Article continues below --- Shop Sim Racing Discounts| Action | Xbox | PlayStation | PC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerate | RT | R2 | A |
| Brake | LT | L2 | Z |
| Reverse | LT | L2 | Z |
| Steer Left | Left stick | Left stick | , |
| Steer Right | Left stick | Left stick | . |
| Pause | Menu | Options | Esc |
| Gear Up | A | X | Space |
| Gear Down | X | Square | Shift |
| Clutch | A | X | Space |
| Overtake | B | Circle | M |
| Next Camera | RB | R1 | C |
| Camera Free Look | Right stick | Right stick | N/A |
| Look Back | R3 | R3 | End |
| Replay/Flashback | View | TouchPad | X |
| DRS | Y | Traingle | F |
| Pit Limiter | Y | Triangle | F |
| Radio Commands | LB | L1 | T |
| Multi-Function Display | D-pad | D-pad | Num. 0 |
| Push to Talk | D-pad | D-pad | S |
| MFD Menu Up | Up | Up | Up arrow |
| MFD Menu Down | Down | Down | Down arrow |
| MFD Menu Right | Right | Right | Right arrow |
| MFD Menu Left | Left | Left | Left arrow |
We delve into controller settings in more detail, and recommend specific settings to improve your vibrations and feedback in our F1 25 controller settings guide. I’d recommend reading it if you want to optimise how your controller feels and performs in game.
Much like the default controller layout, F1 25 automatically assigns the in-game inputs to various buttons and inputs on your racing wheel. This happens if the racing wheel is supported by F1 25 and has a preset configuration.
Not all wheels that are supported have default button layouts, as there is simply too many steering wheel and racing wheel combinations for F1 25 to pre-configure. If you’re using a racing wheel which doesn’t feature a pre-configured layout, you can still use it. You’ll just have to go through the button mapping screen, and manually assign each input to your steering wheel.
F1 25 has a pretty extensive list of compatible racing wheels. Check our F1 25 compatible racing wheel list to see if your racing wheel is compatible with this year’s Formula 1 game.
Below is the default button configuration for supported racing wheels.
| Action | Racing wheel input |
|---|---|
| Accelerate | Throttle Pedal |
| Brake | Brake Pedal |
| Steer Left | Steering Wheel Turned Left |
| Steer Right | Steering Wheel Turned Right |
| Pause | Start/Menu |
| Gear Up | Right Paddle Shifter |
| Gear Down | Left Shifter Paddle |
| Clutch | Clutch Pedal |
| Overtake | X/A |
| Next Camera | R3 |
| Camera Free Look | Funky Switch (If your wheel has one) |
| Look Back | R2 |
| Replay/Flashback | Select/View |
| DRS | L2 |
| Pit Limiter | L2 |
| Radio Commands | Square/X |
| Multi-Function Display | O/B |
We have created a buyer’s guide for those looking to buy a racing wheel for F1 25. In this guide, I break down the best budget, mid-range and premium racing wheels for F1 25, providing the best pick in each category. I also recommend the best wheel for each console platform.
Find out which racing wheel is best for F1 25.
If your wheel or controller is supported, you’ll be able to jump into F1 25 and hit the track right away. However, it doesn’t mean you are stuck with the default button layout. You can change the button mapping at any time from the controls settings.
This also applies if your racing wheel isn’t directly supported in F1 25. As long as your wheel is recognised in game, you can go through and manually configure the button layout to use pretty much any racing wheel in F1 25.
--- Article continues below ---Unlock maximum performance with multiple setups for every track and complete strategy packs.
Use the steps below to change or manually configure your button mapping in F1 25.
If you want to maximise your pace in your league race, or improve your lap times against the AI, having the best car setup is important. We have created our F1 25 Pro Setup pack for this exact reason. Our setup pack includes multiple optimised car setups for every track in F1 25, and has been created by some of the fastest drivers in the game. You’ll also get access to qualifying and race strategies for every single race to ensure you achieve the best race finish possible.
Check out our F1 25 pro setups, and gain the competitive advantage on track.
Once you have learnt the inputs, or created your own customised button layout for your racing wheel or controller, I’d highly recommend updating your force feedback settings. These settings affect how much feedback you get through your controller or racing wheel, as well as the intensity of the feedback as you drive over different parts of the track.
Adjusting your force feedback settings in F1 25 can greatly affect how your car feels through your racing wheel or controller. With each racing wheel being created differently, with different power and strength, each wheel really requires unique settings..
Below are quick links to our guides for specific force feedback settings for the most popular racing wheels.
| Guide | When to use |
|---|---|
| Recommended controller settings | For any controller or gamepad on any console |
| Recommended Fanatec settings | Settings for all Fanatec racing wheels |
| Recommended MOZA settings | Settings for all MOZA racing wheels |
| Recommended Logitech G923 settings | Settings for the Logitech G923 and G29 |
| Recommended Asetek settings | Settings for all Asetek wheel bases |
| Recommended Thrustmaster settings | Settings for all Thrustmaster racing wheels |
| Recommended Simucube settings | Settings for all Simucube wheel bases |
On PS5, F1 25 uses standard PlayStation controls. The throttle is R2, brake is L2, steering is handled with the left stick, and gear changes use L1 and R1. You can view and customize these in the game’s “Controls, Vibration and Force Feedback” settings menu.
To change button mappings, go to Settings > Controls, Vibration & Force Feedback, then select your current profile or create a new one. Scroll through the inputs, click on the control you want to change, and press the new button or key to assign it.
In the “Controls, Vibration and Force Feedback” menu, select your input device and choose “Create New Profile.” This allows you to build a custom control setup tailored to your preferences for driving, camera, and assists.
If your controls aren’t responding, try disconnecting and reconnecting your device, ensure the correct input profile is selected, and check for firmware updates (especially for racing wheels). Restarting the game or console may also help resolve input issues.
The default button layout may vary slightly based on platform and controller type, but the core controls are the same across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. All versions support full customization of inputs.
You can use the links below to shop for your favourite sim racing products, or for any products that we may have recommended. These links are affiliate links, and will earn us a small commission, with no additional cost for you.
Rich is the founder, F1 car setup creator and content writer for SimRacingSetups. With over a decade of experience as a graphic designer, marketing director, competitive sim racer and avid motorsport fan, Rich founded SimRacingSetup.com to share his passion and knowledge of sim racing and Formula 1 with other sim racers. Regularly writes for sim racing website SimRaceReviews.com
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