Alexandre
Since joining the Scuderia Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton not only had to adapt to a new team, but also to a car that was radically different from the Mercedes he had driven for so many years. Among the adjustments he made to his single-seater at Formula 1His steering wheel was a crucial element in adapting the SF-25 to his riding style.
The Briton first expressed his needs on the Ferrari braking systemespecially the pedals. Hamilton was used to working with a Carbon Industrie braking system from Mercedes, whereas Ferrari works with Brembo, which took some getting used to. During his first tests with Ferrari, Hamilton had to deal with some discomfort and wheel lock-ups, which highlighted the technical differences between the two systems.
Apart from this detail, Hamilton also had the opportunity to test the Ferrari engine for the first time, after years with Mercedes. He shared his first impressions saying that although the Mercedes engine was already exceptional, the Ferrari engine is just as powerful and a pleasure to drive. "It's strange at first," he admits, referring to the need to revise certain driving habits to adapt to the SF-25's different power distribution.
Another aspect on which Hamilton insisted on adapting the Ferrari to his preferences was its steering wheel. Unlike Charles LeclercHamilton opted for a number of custom modifications. In an F1 single-seater, the steering wheel is not simply a steering tool, but a concentration of controls and functions. These changes enable the driver to maximize his comfort and efficiency behind the wheel.
Most notable is the replacement of the "N" (neutral) and "P" (speed limiter) buttons found on Leclerc steering wheels. Hamilton chose to replace them with the "CHR" button, used to regenerate the hybrid system, and the "PC" button, which confirms the pit-stop. He has also moved the "Radio" button, used to communicate with his engineer, from its usual position closer to his fingers, making it easier to access.
Another significant change concerns the DRS button. While Leclerc keeps his DRS button on the back of the steering wheel, Hamilton has moved it to the front, under the "CHR" button, to make it easier to operate with his thumb.
The gearshift paddles have also been adapted. Hamilton uses thinner paddles than Leclerc, positioned higher up on the steering wheel. This allows the seven-time world champion to adjust his gear changes more precisely, a crucial aspect during high-precision acceleration and braking in racing.
These adjustments perfectly illustrate how each F1 single-seater is meticulously tailored to the personal preferences of its drivers. All these differences between Hamilton's and Leclerc's steering wheels reveal the importance of a tailor-made configuration to maximize performance on the track. For Hamilton, every detail counts, and these modifications should help him adapt quickly to the SF-25.