F1S

F1S is an open‑source racing simulation software that emulates single‑seat circuit racing conditions on realistic tracks. The project was initiated in 2012 by a group of hobbyist developers who sought to create an affordable alternative to commercial hyper‑realistic simulators. F1S supports a wide range of hardware, including steering wheels, pedals, gear shifters, and VR headsets, and offers a modular architecture that allows users to add or modify vehicle physics, tire models, and environmental conditions.

The core of F1S is built in C++ and uses the Vulkan graphics API for rendering, allowing for high‑frame‑rate performance on mid‑range PCs. Its physics engine is based on a proprietary two‑track tire model that simulates the interaction of tires with varying road surfaces. F1S ships with a selection of licensed and fan‑made tracks, including classic circuits such as Nürburgring, Le Mans, and the Monaco street circuit. Users can also import OGG sound files and .wrl 3D models to create custom racing environments.

Downloads are available under the MIT license, and the project is hosted on a public Git repository where contributors submit patches and new vehicle configurations. Through an active forum and a Discord community, developers regularly collaborate on updates that include weather systems, telemetry logging, and advanced AI opponents. The project has also implemented a matchmaking feature that allows players to join public races and compete in leaderboards.

F1S has been adopted by educational institutions as a teaching tool for vehicle dynamics, and it has helped spark interest in motorsport engineering among high‑school and university students. Its emphasis on modularity and transparency makes it an attractive platform for developers who wish to experiment with realistic racing physics without the financial barriers of commercial simulators.