Lewis Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari formally started slightly below two months in the past, however behind the scenes, the difference work is transferring rapidly. The seven-time Components 1 world champion is turning into extra acquainted not solely along with his new staff of engineers, who will accompany him on observe in the course of the 24 Grands Prix of the 2025 season, but additionally with every thing that revolves round his work within the automobile.
The British driver has already defined how he spends a variety of time within the manufacturing facility with technicians to know find out how to greatest exploit the qualities of Ferrari’s Energy Unit, as every engine has its personal particular traits. This adaptation is critical, particularly after spending over ten years at Mercedes, however it doesn’t imply that the Briton has fully left his earlier expertise behind.
In a Components 1 automobile, ergonomics are essential, and it’s no coincidence that many parts are made to go well with the particular wants and requests of the drivers, significantly in high groups. One of many key parts is the steering wheel, which through the years has advanced into a real mini-computer linked to the management unit to handle not solely the Energy Unit but additionally different elements of the automobile’s dynamics.
Ferrari has all the time sought to accommodate drivers’ requests, each when it comes to the steering wheel’s form and software program configuration. This course of was significantly evident throughout Sebastian Vettel’s time with the staff, as from his arrival in Maranello, he offered enter and requested modifications on a number of events. Curiously, the steering wheel that Lewis Hamilton will use this yr at Ferrari originates from the design created based mostly on Sebastian Vettel’s enter however options adjustments in button format and the 2 paddles used for shifting and clutch management. These modifications purpose to offer the absolute best really feel whereas sustaining sure previous habits.
New shift and clutch paddle lever are the obvious parts. Lewis Hamilton’s steering wheel from the rear, variations from that of his teammate, Charles Leclerc, are instantly noticeable. These variations stem primarily from decisions developed at Mercedes through the years. It isn’t uncommon for a driver, particularly after switching groups, to deliver sure options from the steering wheels utilized in earlier groups. It’s subsequently logical that, after spending over ten years at Mercedes, the place he used an almost equivalent steering wheel since 2014 when it was fully redesigned right into a slimmer and lighter unit based mostly on his enter, a few of Lewis Hamilton’s requests for his new journey mirror the habits he developed with the Silver Arrows staff.
For instance, the gear shift paddle has been fully redesigned and now has a really totally different form, with the levers not solely thinner but additionally positioned greater, adopting a design much like the one he had accepted at Mercedes. Moreover, the outer finish includes a coating product of a distinct materials to enhance grip.
In distinction, Charles Leclerc has caught with the identical format he has been accustomed to since his debut in pink in 2019, with bigger levers positioned decrease, nearly totally behind the spokes of the steering wheel.
In depth work has additionally been accomplished on the clutch lever. Since 2019, the seven-time Components 1 world champion has been used to managing the clutch with a single paddle, and he has carried over the identical configuration to the Ferrari steering wheel. Nevertheless, there are variations in comparison with the lever utilized by Charles Leclerc, not solely within the casing the place the fingers relaxation but additionally within the paddle itself.
In Lewis Hamilton’s case, the similarity with the one he had at Mercedes is instantly noticeable. It’s logical that, as with different elements, the Briton has sought to copy in Ferrari sure parts he’s accustomed to and which have all the time labored effectively for him. The finger casing can also be totally different from Leclerc’s, clearly custom-made with 3D printing to suit the motive force’s particular wants.
Subsequent, let’s additionally have a look at the brand new button format and modified software program. The adjustments to the clutch paddle and equipment shift paddle are essentially the most vital {hardware} updates, because the entrance part has remained bodily unchanged from the steering wheel that Charles Leclerc additionally makes use of.
Nevertheless, what adjustments is the association of buttons and rotary switches, which the seven-time Components 1 world champion has modified to copy sure automated actions he had developed with the Mercedes steering wheel. Ferrari’s unit follows a somewhat totally different philosophy from Mercedes’, significantly relating to the decrease part selectors, that are six in quantity, whereas Mercedes mixed them into three rotary switches with quite a few secondary sub-menus.
Specializing in the higher part, Lewis Hamilton has moved the “cost” button for power restoration to the higher left, accompanied by the navigation button for sub-menus (10-) and the impartial button. Beneath the cost button is the drag discount system button, which Lewis Hamilton additionally had on the entrance of the steering wheel at Mercedes.
On the fitting facet, symmetrically, there’s the “Pit affirm” button, used to substantiate the return to the pits, one other navigation button for sub-menus (1+), the pit lane pace limiter, and the radio activation button. Moreover, the British driver has most well-liked to put the K1 button, which prompts the Energy Unit’s electrical increase, on the entrance.
One other fascinating facet is the positioning of the settings for the differential, engine braking, and brake steadiness, which replicate these Lewis Hamilton used till final yr. The rotary swap for the entry differential is on the high left, whereas the high-speed differential is on the high proper. On the left facet, subsequent to the display screen, is the “brake migration” management for brake changes, whereas on the alternative facet is the brake steadiness adjustment.
This results in an fascinating remark: Lewis Hamilton has moved the administration of {the electrical} system, also called SOC, to the decrease a part of the steering wheel—one thing no Ferrari driver has accomplished since 2015. The software program on the show can also be new, that includes a distinct format and information presentation in comparison with Charles Leclerc’s, however this facet, in addition to on the button preferences, we are going to focus on in a distinct article.
— see video above —
Purchase official Ferrari F1 merchandise!
Let different Scuderia Followers learn about us
