[Formula 1] #055 - The Evolution of the F1 Steering Wheel: From a Round Handle to a 20 Million Yen Computer

The F1 steering wheel is something the driver "holds." However, the modern version is a "racing computer" that simultaneously controls engine output, brake balance, aerodynamic modes, and energy recovery rates while driving. We trace over 70 years of evolution from a round wooden handle to a carbon fiber multi-functional interface.

This article presents the latest technological trends selected by the author, an engineer and consultant, in an easy-to-understand format of 3,000 to 5,000 characters. If you found this article helpful, please give it a high rating and follow.

The 1950s: An era when there was only a round wooden handle

On May 13, 1950, the first F1 World Championship Grand Prix was held at Silverstone in the UK. At that time, all that existed in the car was a round wooden or metal steering wheel with a diameter of 350-400mm. There were no buttons at all, and the driver only had to focus on steering. Power steering did not exist, and the steering effort in high-speed corners was considerable. Drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss controlled the machine using only their arm strength and core. The functions on the steering wheels of that time were literally zero.

1970s-1980s: The turning point when the first buttons appeared

Entering the 1970s, F1 became rapidly more complex. As research into aerodynamic downforce began in earnest and the overall design of the machines evolved, the shape of the steering wheel began to change. The diameter was reduced to 300-320mm, and leather or suede began to be wrapped around it to increase grip. In the mid-1970s, buttons were mounted on an F1 steering wheel for the first time. The first function was a kill switch for emergency engine shutdown. This was a safety feature to allow the driver to cut the engine immediately in the event of an accident. Subsequently, in the 1980s, a radio button and an overtake boost button were added. Furthermore, a quick-release mechanism was introduced, making it easier for the driver to escape after an accident.

1989: The paddle shift changed the F1 control system

In 1989, Ferrari brought a revolution to F1. They introduced a semi-automatic gearbox and paddle shifters to the 640 model machine designed by chief designer John Barnard. This mechanism allowed gear changes by simply pulling two paddles located behind the steering wheel, enabling the driver to shift without taking their hands off the wheel. This innovation fundamentally changed the shape of the steering wheel. It no longer needed to be round, creating freedom for shapes that were easier for the driver to hold, such as rectangular or butterfly shapes. Automatic gear-shifting software even appeared in 1993, but the FIA banned it in 1994. Although it was temporarily revived in 2001, it was completely banned in 2004, establishing the form where the driver manually performs shift operations.

2000s-Present: LCD screens and over 20 control functions

When KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) was introduced in 2009, the number of buttons on the steering wheel increased all at once. Ferrari eventually reached the point of mounting 30 buttons (reduced to 23 the following year). This was because the parameters that needed to be managed, such as engine output map switching, differential locking rates, front-rear brake distribution, and fuel flow restriction modes, increased dramatically. The transition to the turbo-hybrid era in 2014 brought further complexity. An LCD screen was placed in the center of the steering wheel, allowing real-time display of tire temperature, remaining fuel, battery charge status, and more. Current steering wheels are made of carbon fiber weighing less than 1.5kg and have over 20 control functions. Manufacturing costs exceed 90,000 euros (over 14 million yen), and fully custom specifications are said to reach the 20 million yen scale.

Design philosophies that differ by team

Each F1 team has a significantly different design philosophy for their steering wheels. This difference reflects the team's competitive philosophy itself. Red Bull adopts a "relaxed design" with space between buttons, minimizing the risk of the driver making a mistake while driving at high speeds. In contrast, Ferrari mounts up to six rotary dials, emphasizing fine-tuning functions. Mercedes adopts a multi-button, innovative design, but there have been cases where its complexity has led to accidents. The DAS (Dual-Axis Steering) introduced by Mercedes in 2020 was a mechanism that allowed the toe angle of the front tires to be changed by pushing and pulling the steering wheel, but the FIA banned this in 2021. Williams prioritizes weight reduction and is the only team to fix the screen on the dashboard side. Alpine adopts a unique rounded shape. The reason each team can adopt such different designs is that the FIA regulations only set minimum safety requirements for the shape and function of the steering wheel.

2021 Baku: Hamilton's "Magic Button" accident

A symbolic example of how the complexity of the steering wheel creates risk is the 2021 Azerbaijan GP. That day, Lewis Hamilton was leading. Just before the restart after the Virtual Safety Car ended, Hamilton accidentally touched the "Magic Button." This button is a function for rapidly heating the front brakes during the formation lap and is not used during normal driving. Due to the accidental touch, the brake bias changed to approximately 90% front. The moment he braked at the first corner, the front tires locked, and Hamilton went off the track. He missed out on the victory that day. In contrast, Max Verstappen retired due to a tire burst. In the end, Sergio Perez won. In the 2021 season, where the championship battle continued until the final race, the cost of this one mistake was immeasurable. There is also a case in 2016 where Nico Rosberg retired due to a steering setting error.

2026 Season: An era where new buttons are added

The 2026 F1 regulations will bring major changes, including active aerodynamics and a significant strengthening of the ERS. Along with this, new functions will be added to the steering wheel. The most important is the overtake override button. From 2026 onwards, when DRS is abolished, if this button is pressed while within one second of the car in front, the MGU-K will request maximum output at SCALE 1 (350kW, up to 337km/h). Since one use consumes 0.5MJ, the driver must decide the timing to use it strategically while checking the remaining energy on the display. For active aerodynamics, switching between X mode and Z mode is also managed by buttons. When the driver releases the accelerator, it automatically shifts to Z mode (enhanced downforce), but manual override is also possible. MGU-K output will be increased nearly threefold from the current 120kW to 350kW. The steering LCD will constantly display information such as battery charge status, remaining overtake count, and aero mode status. Ferrari is reviewing its steering layout in preparation for Lewis Hamilton's arrival and is proceeding with an evolution toward a clean design. Williams is considering shifting the dashboard-side screen to a steering-integrated type.

Summary

Born in 1950 as a round wooden handle, the F1 steering wheel has transformed over 70 years from a "steering device" into the "command center for the entire machine." The buttons, which started with a single kill switch, have increased to over 20, the LCD screen displays real-time data, and the manufacturing cost has reached the 20 million yen scale. In 2026, an overtake override button will be added due to the abolition of DRS, and an era will come where drivers judge energy strategy in the palm of their hands. Its complexity creates the risk of missing out on victory with a single operational error. The evolution of the steering wheel embodies the fact that F1 is a "competition that challenges the limits of humans and technology" in the most compact form. If you are interested in the forefront of F1 technology and strategy, please like and follow. I will deliver the latest technological trends next time as well.

References

• Driver Inputs in 2026: Steering Wheel Controls and Modes | F1 Explained - F1 Chronicle

• EXPLAINED: From more agile cars to X-mode and Z-mode - unpicking the 2026 aerodynamics regulations - F1

• F1 Steering Wheel Evolution | 1950 - 2023

• From manual to mind-bending: The decades-long evolution of the F1 gearbox | Raceteq

• How Do F1 Teams Make Carbon Parts? | F1 Explained

• The usability of F1 driving interfaces | CIEHF Publications