F1 steering wheels are highly advanced gadgets with many buttons, analogue sticks and miniature screens. It doesn’t just drive the car, it has commands for many car functions so that the driver can make adjustments on the go.
Evolution of the F1 Steering Wheel
In F1, early racing cars had steering wheels similar to normal cars. They were round and made of wood and aluminum. During the 1960s, racing technology progressed to the point where rims covered in leather were introduced to improve grip. In the 1970s, there was the first introduction of a button which was an ignition-kill switch to assist drivers to shut the engine down. The 1980s brought new ideas such as suede covering the rim and quick-release to help get drivers out. They also introduced gear-shifting paddles during this period, eventually leading to the non-circular designs commonly used today.
Anatomy of the Modern F1 Steering Wheel
The steering wheels of modern F1 cars are marvels of engineering and are made mostly from carbon fibre so that they are strong and light. The grips are made of silicone and customized for each driver’s hands The surface of the steering wheel is filled with buttons, switches and dials to control a function.
- Drivers can use paddles behind the wheel to shift through eight-speed gears in the car.
- An extra paddle controls the clutch, which is mainly used when the race starts and when pitting.
- A rotary switch on the steering wheel allows the driver to adjust the engine mapping and differential settings while driving.
- There is an additional button on F1 steering wheel called a DRS adjustment button for drag reduction which makes car aerodynamically faster.
- The wheels integrated with the buttons that communicate with the radio, limiters for pit lanes, and fuel mixtures and many more options. That make sure the driver easily accesses them without taking their hands off the wheel.
Customisation and Driver Preferences
Every F1 team designs their own bespoke steering wheel tailored to the individual needs of their drivers. Sebastian Vettel had a mini-paddle on the steering wheel with which his right hand could operate. However, this adaptation was specific to Vettel’s wheel and did not come on Charles Leclerc’s wheel when he joined the team. This unique solution lets drivers easily use their car’s complicated systems safely and performance-wise.
The Role of the Steering Wheel in Race Strategy
More than just controlling the vehicle, the steering wheel assists in the race strategy. Through the display located on the wheel. Drivers can access real-time data regarding the conditions of their tyres, amount of fuel, and lap times. Thus, this facilitates a better decision on when to manage the tyres, or when to make a pit stop. Being able to access such information is essential in order to keep right on the heels of the competition.
