Evolution of F1 Steering Wheels: From 1950 to Today

The shape and diameter of Formula 1 car steering wheels have evolved significantly from 1950 to today, influenced by technological advancements, ergonomic requirements, and regulations. Here is a general overview of the changes:

The main difference between a steering wheel with a smaller radius and one with a larger radius is naturally the presence or absence of power steering, or in general, the amount of force the driver must exert to steer. We have already discussed steering load in this article!

• Diameter: Approximately 350 - 400 mm.
• Steering wheels were large, similar to those in sports cars of the era, to provide greater mechanical leverage and make steering easier in the absence of power steering.
• Materials: Wood or metal, with a very simple design and virtually no buttons.
• Main function: Direct and robust control, without additional instruments on the steering wheel.

If you wish to simulate this era, the best option is the Podium Steering Wheel Classic V2

• Diameter: Reduced to around 300 - 320 mm.
• Aerodynamic advancements and improvements in suspension systems resulted in cars with quicker responses, necessitating smaller steering wheels.
• Materials: Gradually transitioned to lightweight materials like aluminum, with alcantara, leather or rubber coverings to improve grip.
• The first indicators and simple controls, such as a radio button, began to appear.

If you wish to simulate this era, the best option is the ClubSport Steering Wheel 320 Alcantara

• Diameter: Around 280 - 300 mm.
• Aerodynamic research led to increasingly streamlined cars with narrower cockpits, necessitating a reduction in steering wheel size.
• Materials: Composite fibers such as carbon, ensuring strength and lightness.
• Technology: Steering wheels became control centers, with added buttons to adjust engine settings, activate the pit lane speed limiter, and more. The first semi-automatic gear shifters with paddles behind the wheel appeared (pioneered by Ferrari in the early '90s).

If you wish to simulate this era, the best option is the ClubSport Steering Wheel Round 1 V2

• Diameter: About 260 - 280 mm.
• Ergonomics improved drastically, with steering wheels molded to fit the driver’s hands (Michael Schumacher played a key role in this type of research aimed at maximizing performance).
• Integrated controls increased significantly: the steering wheel became a portable computer with dozens of buttons, knobs, and LCD displays. Paddle shifting became standard.
• Materials: Carbon fiber and metal alloys were used to minimize weight.

The great Michael Schumacher was an absolute pioneer in finding ergonomics for his steering wheel, to squeeze out every single cents from the car and from himself.

If you wish to simulate this era, the best option is ClubSport Steering Wheel F1 eSports V2

• Diameter: Even smaller, around 250 - 275 mm, to optimize control and driver's positioning in the cockpit. Modern F1 cars benefit from power steering, which significantly reduces the drivers' physical effort.
• Technology: Ultra-modern steering wheels with paddles for gear shifting and numerous controls to manage every aspect of the car, from differentials to energy recovery systems.
• Shape: Often no longer round but square or butterfly-shaped, to facilitate quick steering and reduce the space required.
• Materials: Carbon fiber, with miniaturized but highly complex electronic components.

See our ClubSport Steering Wheel Formula Oracle Red Bull Racing 2024

A modern F1 steering wheel can cost over €90,000 and weighs less than 1.5 kg, while integrating more than 20 controls and advanced electronic systems.

The evolution of the steering wheel reflects the adaptation to F1's increasingly complex driving requirements, shifting from the initial reliance on pure physical strength to today’s focus on managing tires, mechanics, fuel, and more.

If you wish to find your perfect Formula steering wheel or you need product consultation, Fanatec experts’ team is glad to help you! Just fill in this product consultation form.