The secrets of the Ferrari SF-24 steering wheel | F1 technical analysis

12/30/2024 08:37 AM

One of the most iconic components of F1 cars is undoubtedly the steering wheel. Let's delve into an analysis to uncover the workings and all the secrets of the Ferrari steering wheel, one of the most renowned and admired in the paddock.

We will divide the analysis of the Ferrari steering wheel into sections based on the types of switches present. We'll start with the buttons, then move on to the so-called "rotary switches," and finally describe the toggles.

The Analysis of the Ferrari Steering Wheel: The Buttons
We begin the analysis of the Ferrari steering wheel by describing the function of all the buttons. As can be inferred from their size and prominent position, buttons 1 and 2 are among the most important in the car. The first, marked with the letter "N" for "Neutral," engages neutral gear. This function is essential to allow the driver not to hold the clutch during prolonged stops. Primarily used during free practice stops and while preparing for starts, it is no longer used during race pit stops. In fact, the level of speed achieved by mechanics in tire changes leaves no time for the driver to press the button!

The second button, marked with "P" for "Pit limiter," activates the mandatory speed limiter for the pit lane. The maximum value ranges from 60 km/h to 80 km/h depending on the circuit. This allows the driver to accelerate freely without worrying about controlling the throttle. It is also worth noting that, as these modes are used only in specific situations—outside of which they would cause a significant disadvantage (e.g., activating the limiter in the middle of a Grand Prix)—they are surrounded by a protective cover to prevent accidental presses.

Button 3, labeled "RADIO," opens communication with the pit wall. Engineers can talk to the driver at any time, while the driver must use this command to communicate, pressing it again at the end to close the line.

Button 4, marked "PC" for "Pit Confirm," is used by the driver to show their agreement to carry out a pit stop without needing to communicate it via radio. In fact, it is very common to hear the race engineer say: "Box box. Pit confirm please!" This function can also be useful in case of radio malfunction, serving as an alternative way to signal the intent to pit.

Button 5, labeled "CHR" for "CHARGING," activates the hybrid charging mode. It is predominantly used at the end of a qualifying lap or during a Safety Car period. Upon activation, three blue LEDs light up on the rev counter (as shown in the following photo).

Button 6, labeled “OIL,” activates the secondary oil pump for additional engine lubrication when the primary lubrication is insufficient. It is activated by the driver upon request from the pit wall.

Buttons 7 and 8, labeled "K," provide extra power to the engine in two modes. The "K1" mode is used during duels, either to attack or defend on straights. The "K2" map is activated during key laps of the race, such as the GP start, the in-lap or out-lap during a pit stop, or restarts after a Safety Car. These modes are used sparingly as they exert additional strain on the engine, which, if excessive, would reduce its mileage and could compromise its reliability.

Buttons 9, labeled "+1" and "+10," are used to set parameters for various settings. For example, when engine issues arise, it's common to hear the engineer over the radio providing values to input on the steering wheel (usually referring to sensors not functioning correctly).

Toggle 10 adjusts all the car's parameters based on the type of tires fitted, as dry tires have a different diameter compared to intermediates (INTERS) and extreme wet tires (XW for "Extreme Wet").

The Rotary Switches of the Ferrari Steering Wheel
Switch 11, labeled "SOC" for "State of Charge," sets the hybrid system's charging mode. The closer the number is to 1, the more "aggressive" the energy deployment will be, prioritizing energy usage over storage in the battery.

Rotary switches 12–16 control various aspects of the car's setup, such as engine braking ("EB"), the differential in entry and mid-corner (DIF IN and MID), braking settings ("BS" for "Brake Shave"), and torque delivery ("TRQ" for "Torque"). These are the most frequently used by drivers to fine-tune the car's behavior during qualifying laps or adapt their driving style to race conditions, including fuel and tire management.

The Toggles
Toggle 17, known as "MULTIFUNCTION," acts as the heart of the car, allowing the adjustment of all the primary settings, such as gearbox settings ("GX"), spark plug settings ("SPK" for Sparks), and default driver settings related to sensors.

It is often paired with buttons 9 to adjust the values in the selected area. For example, to set the gearbox to value 3, the dial must first be turned to the GX setting, followed by using the buttons to scroll through the options until number 3 is selected.

Toggle 18 sets the hybrid strategies ("PU modes"), managing the interaction between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. Modes include "RACE" for the race, "PUSH" for qualifying laps, and "SLOW" for Safety Car (SC) and Virtual Safety Car (VSC) phases.

Switch 19 determines the "Engine modes," which control the power of the internal combustion engine (often referred to as "ICE," or Internal Combustion Engine). The closer the setting is to 1, the greater the power output. Conservative mappings are preferred during free practice, while higher settings are used for qualifying and the race. However, since the 2020 Italian Grand Prix, this setting has been locked in parc fermé, preventing teams from adjusting it after qualifying.

Toggle 20, called "SECONDARY MULTIFUNCTION," operates similarly to the previously described toggle but controls secondary, less frequently adjusted settings of the car.

Switch 21 adjusts the clutch "bite point," primarily modified before the start.

Finally, toggle 22, labeled "Tyre Phase," does not alter the car but allows the driver to quickly and cryptically inform the team about tire conditions during the race.

Source: f1ingenerale

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