The initial version of the steering wheels was only used to change the direction of the vehicle. However, with the advancement in automotive technology, the purposes of steering wheels diversified. Steering wheels in Formula 1 racing cars are specially designed to facilitate drivers on the track to do more than just steer the vehicle. The Mercedes-AMG unveils its latest F1 steering wheel that revolutionised the concept and purpose of steering.
Let’s take a closer look at Mercedes steering wheel for F1, its structure and its working.
Mercedes F1 Steering System
The Mercedes F1 steering contains a carbon central structure with customised handles. The surround is equipped with 12 different buttons, 6 rotary switches and 3 rotary knobs. The screen is placed in the centre of the wheel that provides necessary information regarding the power unit.
The steering wheel is directly connected to the car computer and functions in coordination with it. The clutch and shift pedals are located at the back of the steering.
The function of major buttons and switches on the steering wheel are mentioned below:
- Drag Reduction System (DRS) Button: This button is used to open or close the flap of the spoiler (wing).
- Driver Defaults: A dark blue pair of buttons are used to signal the garage regarding any sensor or major default in the car.
- Neutral Button: This button is yellow in colour that is used to neutral the vehicle at the pit stop. However, it is not used generally, as the total time at the pit stop is around 2 seconds.
- Pit Lane Speed Limiter: Another yellow colour button opposite to neutral is the speed limiter. Its main function is to maintain the speed of the car at 60 to 80 km/h.
- Pit Confirm: The orange colour button signals the team about any accident on the track.
- Mark Button: It is also used to signal the team regarding an emergency situation.
- Overtake: This blue button provides instant torque to overtake other cars.
- Talk Button: this black button connects the driver with the radio. It is used when the driver needs to communicate with the team.
- Brake Balance High-Speed Switch: This switch is used to adjust the differential so that amount of engine torque can be controlled.
- Brake Balance Switch: The main function of this switch pair is to adjust the brake balance of the car on the track.
The three rotary knobs at the centre of the steering wheel are for engine tuning and power adjustment.
Manufacturing of F1 Steering
The latest steering wheel is more technologically advanced than its predecessors. The manufacturing of these steering wheels depends the driver’s needs. These requirements vary from race track to race track, for instance: the driver will require different elements while racing on Dubai Autodrome contrary to Bahrain International Circuit. The automotive team works closely with the driver and provides them with custom-built steering wheels.
Ranging from the ergonomics to the physical layout, everything is moulded as per the driver. In fact, the layout of buttons and grip is also custom-built according to the driver’s hand. The alteration of the steering wheel is continued throughout the season.
The major elements used in its manufacturing of Mercedes steering F1 are carbon fibre, fibreglass, titanium, copper and silicon. The combination of carbon and copper avoids electric arcing in the vehicle. Whereas. Other products are used because of their lightweight and durability. These elements are also used in manufacturing other important car parts.
F! wheels are built at the manufacturing plant of Mercedes in Brackley. It took about 80 minute to build (without alteration) one steering wheel, and each driver is provided with two or three wheels. This plant is also responsible for manufacturing Mercedes’ car parts levitate its car standards. If you are fascinated from Mercedes, browse though these used Mercedes cars for sale in the UAE and leverage from its features.
How Drivers Interact with Steering Wheel at High Speed
The Mercedes steering wheel for F1 contains a cluster of buttons and rotary switches that can be confusing. It is really difficult for the drivers to appropriately use steering while driving. Mercedes uses high-reliability buttons on steering wheels that are also used in aeroplanes. These buttons require strong tactile force to be recessed and provide feedback with a sound of a click.
Moreover, the emergency buttons are surrounded by plastic rims to reduce the risk of accidentally hitting it. At last, the team is directly connected with the car computer and analyses all the inputs of steering; they immediately inform drivers in case of any accidental press.
This was all about the Mercedes steering wheel for F1. The F1 is an ultimate sports car that is specifically built for race tracks. Every car enthusiast can dream of driving this much faster car. But, these cars do not have street-legal status in the UAE. However, you can browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and purchase a street-legal sports car.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on F1 cars.
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