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Secrets behind a Formula 1 steering wheel: The Hidden Technology Unleashed

The Key component of any car is the steering wheel which helps the driver to control the machine. F1 cars have a different kind of steering control.

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Venkatakrishnan
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F1 Steering Wheel

F1 Steering Wheel Photograph: (X)

The cutting-edge technology with all the basic data and directly connected with an F1 driver during the peak of the adrenaline rush is the Formula 1 steering wheel. It is the command centre through which the driver receives every message from the paddock. It controls the driver during races with real-time data and feedback.

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An F1 Steering Wheel

If you have seen a car, you would have known a steering wheel. But Formula 1 cars are very different from our stock cars. To make it simple, modern road cars are equipped with steering-mounted controls like calling, speedometer reading, change display, music system control, volume, and many other essential key elements. F1 cars have more buttons in many colours that help the driver read key data during races.

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How different is an F1 steering wheel?

The epicentre of a Formula 1 car is the steering wheel. It helps the drivers to change engine settings, manage strategies, communication, hydration, brake balance adjustments, data reading, control differentials, track conditions, telemetry, and many other controls. 

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Buttons inside a Formula 1 steering

F1 drivers spend many hours learning about the car and the steering controls. In one single race, they use the steering buttons more times than an average car driver uses steering mount controls in their entire life.

  1. DRS (Drag Reduction System): It activates the DRS or opens the rear wing in straights (DRS Zones) when the driver is less than a second behind another driver.
  2. Pit Limiter: Reduces engine speed when the driver enters the pit lane.
  3. Neutral: Put the car in neutral gear. Used during stops or disengaging power.
  4. Radio: Connects the driver with the team and helps for communication purposes.
  5. Multi-Function Switch: Helps in engine mapping and energy recovery.
  6. Brake Balance: Adjusts the car's brake balance between the front and the rear.
  7. LCD Display: The main display shows all the data and telemetry.
  8. KERS/ERS: Energy recovery system management for more power.
  9. Gear Shift Paddles: It helps to shift the gear.
  10. Clutch Paddle: Located on the back side of the wheel, often used during the race starts.
  11. Tyre Pressure: Helps the drivers learn the tyre pressure.
  12. Fuel Mix: Adjust the air and fuel mixture to manage fuel consumption.
  13. Wet Mode: Helps the driver under wet driving conditions.
  14. Drink Button: Allows the driver to stay hydrated during races.
  15. SOS Button: Emergency signal giving warning.
  16. Track Map: Helping the driver to learn the track map.

How it’s made?


Formula 1 teams want their cars to be light and powerful. So they majorly use carbon fibre, fibreglass, silicon, titanium, and copper. These are also the main components of an F1 steering wheel. It has circuit boards on the inside, a connecting knob on the back, paddle shifters, and grips. One steering wheel takes a minimum of 80 hours to produce. The process involves engineers and designers all working together.

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Cost of an F1 Steering wheel

F1 Steering Wheel cost
F1 Steering Wheel cost Photograph: (X)

The complex device costs 40,000 to 100,000 dollars (35 to 85 lakhs). It's a pretty expensive machine with all the complications you will find in this world. The variety of technology makes it a custom-built product, and that's the reason for its high cost.

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