F1 2017–2020 Head Tracking Setup

F1 2017, F1 2018, and F1 2019 have been tested with VisApex and support head tracking through the TrackIR/NPClient compatibility protocol.

F1 2020 is also reported to support TrackIR-compatible head tracking and is expected to use the same or a similar setup, but it has not been tested with VisApex.

Unlike F1 2021, these versions provide their TrackIR head tracking setting directly through the game’s Camera Settings, making the initial setup relatively straightforward.

Compatibility

This setup has been tested and verified with:

  • F1 2017
  • F1 2018
  • F1 2019

F1 2020 is reported to support TrackIR-compatible head tracking and is expected to work with VisApex using the same or a similar setup. However, F1 2020 has not been tested with VisApex because it is no longer available for us to purchase.

Planning to use VisApex with F1 2020?

We recommend downloading the VisApex Demo and testing it with your game and system before purchasing the full version. The demo allows you to verify compatibility in your own environment.

Alternatively, you may want to wait until compatibility has been confirmed through community testing.

If you encounter an issue, please contact us. We will be happy to investigate the problem with you and, where possible, provide additional setup instructions.

1. Create an F1 Profile

In VisApex, go to:

Options → Profiles

Create a new profile for your F1 game.

This is optional, but recommended if you use VisApex with multiple games. A separate profile allows you to keep your F1-specific tracking and output settings without affecting your other game profiles.

2. Select the FreeTrack Output

In VisApex, select:

Output Mode → FreeTrack 2.0 Enhanced

3. Configure the Protocol Mode

Under FreeTrack 2.0 Enhanced, set:

Protocol Mode → Enable Both (recommended)

If head tracking is not detected, you can also try:

Protocol Mode → TrackIR Only

Restart the game after changing the Protocol Mode.

4. Start Tracking

Click Start Tracking in VisApex and confirm that head tracking is working.

Center your view if needed. Keep your head still and facing your normal forward position while centering.

We recommend starting VisApex tracking before launching the game.

5. Enable TrackIR Head Tracking In-Game

Launch the game normally.

Open the game’s Camera Settings and enable the TrackIR head tracking option.

Unlike F1 2021, you do not need to enter a driving session before accessing the TrackIR setting in F1 2017–2019.

Once enabled, enter a driving session and confirm that the in-game camera responds to your VisApex head movements.

This in-game setting normally only needs to be configured once.

Subsequent Sessions

After the initial setup:

  1. Start VisApex.
  2. Select your F1 profile.
  3. Start VisApex head tracking.
  4. Launch the game normally.

Head tracking should become active when you enter a driving session.

Troubleshooting

  • Verify that the correct F1 profile is selected in VisApex.
  • Verify that FreeTrack 2.0 Enhanced is selected as the Output Mode.
  • Make sure VisApex head tracking is running before launching the game.
  • Make sure TrackIR head tracking is enabled in the game’s Camera Settings.
  • If head tracking is not detected with Enable Both, try TrackIR Only and restart the game.
  • If head tracking is still not detected, close the game, start VisApex tracking first, and then restart the game.
Trademark Notice

VisApex is an independent software application and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or associated with NaturalPoint, Inc., Electronic Arts Inc., or Codemasters.

VisApex provides compatibility with supported games through the FreeTrack and TrackIR/NPClient compatibility protocols.

TrackIR® is a registered trademark of NaturalPoint, Inc.