One of the crucial iconic parts of F1 automobiles is undoubtedly the steering wheel. Let’s delve into an evaluation to uncover the workings and all of the secrets and techniques of the Ferrari steering wheel, one of the famend and admired within the paddock.
We’ll divide the evaluation of the Ferrari steering wheel into sections primarily based on the kinds of switches current. We’ll begin with the buttons, then transfer on to the so-called “rotary switches,” and eventually describe the toggles.
The Evaluation of the Ferrari Steering Wheel: The Buttons
We start the evaluation of the Ferrari steering wheel by describing the operate of all of the buttons. As will be inferred from their measurement and distinguished place, buttons 1 and a couple of are among the many most essential within the automobile. The primary, marked with the letter “N” for “Impartial,” engages impartial gear. This operate is important to permit the driving force to not maintain the clutch throughout extended stops. Primarily used throughout free observe stops and whereas getting ready for begins, it’s not used throughout race pit stops. In actual fact, the extent of velocity achieved by mechanics in tire modifications leaves no time for the driving force to press the button!
The second button, marked with “P” for “Pit limiter,” prompts the necessary velocity limiter for the pit lane. The utmost worth ranges from 60 km/h to 80 km/h relying on the circuit. This permits the driving force to speed up freely with out worrying about controlling the throttle. It’s also value noting that, as these modes are used solely in particular conditions—outdoors of which they’d trigger a major drawback (e.g., activating the limiter in the course of a Grand Prix)—they’re surrounded by a protecting cowl to forestall unintentional presses.
Button 3, labeled “RADIO,” opens communication with the pit wall. Engineers can speak to the driving force at any time, whereas the driving force should use this command to speak, urgent it once more on the finish to shut the road.
Button 4, marked “PC” for “Pit Affirm,” is utilized by the driving force to indicate their settlement to hold out a pit cease with no need to speak it by way of radio. In actual fact, it is rather widespread to listen to the race engineer say: “Field field. Pit affirm please!” This operate can be helpful in case of radio malfunction, serving as a substitute approach to sign the intent to pit.
Button 5, labeled “CHR” for “CHARGING,” prompts the hybrid charging mode. It’s predominantly used on the finish of a qualifying lap or throughout a Security Automobile interval. Upon activation, three blue LEDs mild up on the rev counter (as proven within the following picture).
Ferrari steering wheel “Charging mode on” – supply: f1ingenerale
Button 6, labeled “OIL,” prompts the secondary oil pump for extra engine lubrication when the first lubrication is inadequate. It’s activated by the driving force upon request from the pit wall.
Buttons 7 and eight, labeled “Okay,” present additional energy to the engine in two modes. The “K1” mode is used throughout duels, both to assault or defend on straights. The “K2” map is activated throughout key laps of the race, such because the GP begin, the in-lap or out-lap throughout a pit cease, or restarts after a Security Automobile. These modes are used sparingly as they exert extra pressure on the engine, which, if extreme, would cut back its mileage and will compromise its reliability.
Buttons 9, labeled “+1” and “+10,” are used to set parameters for numerous settings. For instance, when engine points come up, it’s widespread to listen to the engineer over the radio offering values to enter on the steering wheel (often referring to sensors not functioning appropriately).
Toggle 10 adjusts all of the automobile’s parameters primarily based on the kind of tires fitted, as dry tires have a unique diameter in comparison with intermediates (INTERS) and excessive moist tires (XW for “Excessive Moist”).
The Rotary Switches of the Ferrari Steering Wheel
Swap 11, labeled “SOC” for “State of Cost,” units the hybrid system’s charging mode. The nearer the quantity is to 1, the extra “aggressive” the power deployment shall be, prioritizing power utilization over storage within the battery.
Rotary switches 12–16 management numerous features of the automobile’s setup, similar to engine braking (“EB”), the differential in entry and mid-corner (DIF IN and MID), braking settings (“BS” for “Brake Shave”), and torque supply (“TRQ” for “Torque”). These are essentially the most steadily utilized by drivers to fine-tune the automobile’s conduct throughout qualifying laps or adapt their driving type to race situations, together with gasoline and tire administration.
The Toggles
Toggle 17, often called “MULTIFUNCTION,” acts as the guts of the automobile, permitting the adjustment of all the first settings, similar to gearbox settings (“GX”), spark plug settings (“SPK” for Sparks), and default driver settings associated to sensors.
It’s typically paired with buttons 9 to regulate the values within the chosen space. For instance, to set the gearbox to worth 3, the dial should first be turned to the GX setting, adopted by utilizing the buttons to scroll by means of the choices till quantity 3 is chosen.
Toggle 18 units the hybrid methods (“PU modes”), managing the interplay between the interior combustion engine and the electrical motor. Modes embody “RACE” for the race, “PUSH” for qualifying laps, and “SLOW” for Security Automobile (SC) and Digital Security Automobile (VSC) phases.
Swap 19 determines the “Engine modes,” which management the facility of the interior combustion engine (sometimes called “ICE,” or Inside Combustion Engine). The nearer the setting is to 1, the larger the facility output. Conservative mappings are most popular throughout free observe, whereas increased settings are used for qualifying and the race. Nevertheless, for the reason that 2020 Italian Grand Prix, this setting has been locked in parc fermé, stopping groups from adjusting it after qualifying.
Toggle 20, referred to as “SECONDARY MULTIFUNCTION,” operates equally to the beforehand described toggle however controls secondary, much less steadily adjusted settings of the automobile.
Swap 21 adjusts the clutch “chunk level,” primarily modified earlier than the beginning.
Lastly, toggle 22, labeled “Tyre Section,” doesn’t alter the automobile however permits the driving force to shortly and cryptically inform the workforce about tire situations through the race.
Supply: f1ingenerale
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