Ferrari changes philosophy in 2026: the key element that will save crucial grams of weight
The 2026 Ferrari is taking shape, and the Maranello team has already identified a way to save “crucial grams” through a fundamental component that represents a drastic change in philosophy for the new regulation cycle. While the 2026 Ferrari develops within the walls of Maranello, the Prancing Horse has already hinted at a new element that could reduce weight on the upcoming car: a key component that marks a clear break with the past. This can be seen in the difference between the current Ferrari steering wheel and the prototype used by Arthur Leclerc during FP1 in Abu Dhabi.
Since the advent of the turbo-hybrid era in 2014, Ferrari’s steering wheel has maintained roughly the same shape. Of course, modifications have been made as the cars evolved, but the base design has remained largely consistent. In the first session in Abu Dhabi, a new wheel appeared, potentially representing a prototype for 2026. Ferrari may have drawn inspiration from Hypercar ergonomics or from designs used by Red Bull. Now there is additional information about this key component, which is crucial for driver performance and electronic resource management and could help Ferrari save weight in 2026.
Ferrari aims to save weight with design modifications
Looking at Ferrari’s current steering wheel, in terms of size it is one of the largest on the F1 grid. On the other hand, it allows for a wide range of driving and management adjustments. Ferrari prefers to divide functions into separate sections rather than concentrate multiple options on a single rotary switch. The 2026 regulations force teams to rethink even this element, given the increased battery management and the new car shapes.
While AutoRacer.it suggested inspiration from the 499P Hypercar, noting similarities in the upper design, Motorsport.com Italia confirms that the reference remains F1. The key, however, lies in weight reduction. The two “horns” of the wheel have a clear logic: the recess allows the saving of crucial grams, with “the outer raised area housing the wheel dedicated to differential settings in the front zone and a secondary button on the rear of the wheel. This combination determines the wavy shape, seemingly unusual but dictated by functional needs.”
The new wheel is noticeably slimmer, with less pronounced bulging at the rear. This indicates that Ferrari has made modifications to the connected electronic components. Some elements at the back remain largely unchanged. The side levers, for example, including the hand clutch and gearbox controls, have only minor updates. Established solutions remain in place. Motorsport.com Italia reports that “the most significant changes emerge at the front, signaling a true revolution compared to the Ferrari wheel of the past ten years.” While the brake-balance and differential wheels are unchanged, other areas show major updates.
Different button layout and the reasons behind the choice
According to Motorsport.com Italia, the positioning of buttons and LED indicators shows several differences. Some are now closer to the screen, with configurations adjustable according to the preferences of Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton. Further modifications are visible on the lower part of the wheel. Ferrari prefers not to include too many functions on a single rotary switch, a choice that avoids needing to request certain information over the radio and prevents revealing clues to competitors while providing the driver with “comfort.”
Sebastian Vettel had explicitly requested having every parameter at hand, avoiding various submenus that could distract from driving. Looking toward 2026, Ferrari is shifting toward a system more similar to what Lewis Hamilton used at Mercedes. On the wheel seen in FP1 in Arthur Leclerc’s hands, the lower buttons are halved, from six to three—the same configuration the seven-time world champion had in the Silver Arrow. It is likely that some secondary functions will move to submenus. Fewer buttons also mean a smaller wheel, which now features a cut at the lower section. Ferrari has indeed adopted the philosophy previously used by Mercedes and Sauber.
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