Ollie Bearman, a well-respected figure in the Formula 1 racing sphere, recently shed light on the significant modifications that seven-time F1 champion, Lewis Hamilton, has implemented on his Ferrari steering wheel. This marks a radical departure for Hamilton, who had previously spent 12 years at Mercedes before diving into the uncharted waters of Ferrari.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has been anything but uneventful, with the champion candidly admitting the stark differences between his previous and current vehicles. Hamilton highlighted the disparity in steering mechanisms, switch settings, and software between the two cars. He acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a car constructed quite differently from what he had grown accustomed to over the years.
During the inaugural day of pre-season testing at Bahrain, keen observers could see Hamilton’s meticulous adjustments to the Ferrari steering wheel’s button configuration. This tinkering reflects Hamilton’s efforts to mold the car’s mechanics to his preferences, demonstrating his hands-on approach to his new drive.
Bearman, a Haas driver with a profound understanding of Ferrari’s intricate dynamics, expressed his fascination with Hamilton’s technical alterations. His keen eye spotted Hamilton’s major revamps on his steering wheel, a testament to his deep-seated passion and knowledge for the sport.
According to Bearman, Hamilton’s Mercedes steering wheel had the DRS button positioned where the Ferrari’s neutral button is located. This shift, Bearman believes, is Hamilton’s savvy move to streamline the car’s operations. A comparison of recent Ferrari and Mercedes steering wheel designs substantiates Bearman’s observations, with glaring positional differences in some of the key buttons.
Bearman suggested that having the neutral button where Hamilton used to instinctively reach for the DRS on his old car was potentially challenging for the champion. Consequently, Hamilton was seen making vital changes to this area of the wheel during his laps at Sakhir on Wednesday. These changes included the relabeling of the neutral button, as evidenced by onboard footage of Hamilton’s session.
Interestingly, Hamilton appeared to activate the DRS using a button just above his left thumb during his quick laps. However, it’s understood that there is an alternative option of using a switch situated behind the wheel. It’s a common practice for drivers to customize their steering wheels to their liking, further emphasizing the personal relationship between a driver and their vehicle.
Reflecting on his own experience moving to Haas, Bearman pointed out the importance of adjusting to new methods compared to what a driver is used to. He noted that after a decade with the same car, drivers inevitably develop specific habits.
Bearman’s curiosity was piqued by the changes Hamilton made to the steering wheel, as he knew Hamilton would inevitably make some modifications. This fascination with Hamilton’s alterations is a testament to Bearman’s ‘nerdy’ love for the technical intricacies of the sport. His observations serve as an insightful look into the meticulous processes F1 drivers undertake when transitioning between teams and cars.