An F1 wheel is both a steering device and the driver’s control panel. It carries gear and clutch paddles, brake and differential controls, radio and pit-limiter buttons and a data display, and for 2026 it also handles the new Active Aero, Boost and Overtake Mode functions. Layouts differ by team and driver, so there is no single standard button count.
Quick answer
- What it controls: steering, shifting, clutch, brake balance, differential, radio, pit limiter and energy modes.
- Button count: varies. Mercedes documented 25 buttons and switches on its 2019 wheel, plus paddles.
- 2026: DRS is replaced by Active Aero and Overtake Mode, with a driver-operated Boost control.
- Safety: the wheel must come off quickly so the driver can exit.
What an F1 wheel does
Besides turning the front wheels, the wheel puts frequently used functions within thumb and finger reach so the driver can adjust the car without taking hands off the grips. Teams tailor the grips, paddle feel and button positions to each driver, and protect some buttons with raised rims to avoid accidental presses.
| Control | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Shift paddles | Upshift and downshift without a gear lever |
| Clutch paddles | Race starts and low-speed control |
| Brake balance and migration | Shift braking effort between front and rear |
| Differential settings | Change how the car rotates through corners |
| Radio, pit limiter, neutral | Team communication and pit-lane operations |
| Display pages | Gear, timing, energy status, warnings |
What changed on the F1 wheel for 2026
Formula 1’s 2026 rules removed DRS as the overtaking aid. Active Aero changes front and rear wing settings between a high-downforce Corner Mode and a low-drag Straight Mode where the FIA enables it. Overtake Mode gives an eligible following car an electrical-energy advantage, and Boost is a driver-operated control for energy deployment. Exact switch positions are team-specific.
To understand the electrical side, see are F1 cars electric?
How the F1 wheel evolved
- 1950s-60s: large round wheels with little electronics, giving leverage before power steering.
- 1970s onward: wheels shrank as cockpits tightened and power steering arrived.
- 1989: Ferrari’s 640 introduced a semi-automatic paddle-shift gearbox that won on its debut, moving gear selection to the wheel.
- Today: a compact, often rectangular carbon-fibre assembly with electronics, paddles and a display.
Why modern F1 wheels are small and square
The cockpit is narrow and the driver needs quick inputs, so a compact shape with flat top and bottom sections fits better than a full circle. Power-assisted steering reduces the need for a large rim. The shape is about packaging and control access, not aerodynamics.
Materials and safety
Carbon fibre provides a stiff, light enclosure, with metals, wiring and circuit boards inside. Mercedes has described its wheel as an assembly of several hundred parts. FIA rules require a quick-release mechanism, and removing the wheel is part of the cockpit-exit test, which keeps escape fast in an emergency.
From F1 wheel to road car
The clearest crossover is paddle shifting, which Ferrari brought to road cars after its F1 debut and which many performance and mainstream cars now offer. Multifunction steering-wheel controls follow the same idea of keeping common functions within reach, though road cars are far simpler. For more F1 context, see our Cadillac F1 engine guide and Audi F1 car guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many buttons are on an F1 steering wheel?
There is no single count. Mercedes documented 25 buttons and switches on its 2019 wheel plus paddles, but layouts differ by team, driver and season.
Do F1 cars have power steering?
Yes. Modern F1 cars use power-assisted steering, which makes a compact wheel practical, though drivers still feel substantial loads.
Why do F1 drivers remove the steering wheel?
The cockpit opening is tight, so the wheel is removed for quick entry and exit. FIA rules require a quick-release and include wheel removal in the cockpit-exit test.
Is DRS still used in F1?
Not in 2026. Active Aero and Overtake Mode replace it under the new regulations.
Who introduced paddle shifters in F1?
Ferrari introduced the semi-automatic paddle-shift gearbox on its 640 in 1989, and Nigel Mansell won its first race.
Why are F1 steering wheels small and rectangular?
A compact shape suits the narrow cockpit and fast inputs, and it leaves room for controls and a display. Power steering means a large rim is not needed.
