The semi automatic gearbox – or paddle shift as it is also known – is one of the most significant technological developments in Formula 1 history.
In just a handful of years after Scuderia Ferrari introduced this concept back in 1989, every Formula One car on the grid had implemented it. It is a system we all take for granted today, and it’s even made its way into the road car industry.
But the pioneering car that first carried this revolution almost got derailed by spectacular internal politics at the Maranello team. Let’s get into this story with some great footage and a video from The Race:
—- see video above —-
