Steering Formula 2 in a new direction: 2024 development goes deeper than looks

29 January 2024

It is arguably one of the most crucial components in the entirety of the racing car; the steering wheel is often overlooked when it comes to its importance.

The further up the single seater pyramid you go, the more complex and integral the wheel becomes beyond its primary function of turning the wheels on the car.

For 2024, the all-new Formula 2 machine will have an upgraded steering wheel that has taken a plethora of data into account to maximise comfort, ergonomics and accessibility.

“There are a lot of details that you don’t see with this new design but when we look at the cockpit, it has completely changed,” Technical Director Pierre-Alain Michot explains. “The way the driver is seated in the car has changed in order to comply with the latest regulations from the FIA.

“We have modified a lot of things compared to the old car to make sure we can adapt to as many drivers as possible, that’s the main target we had.”

Developed ergonomics in mind, the 2024 steering wheel coincides with the introduction of a new car that’s designed to accommodate the widest variety of driver possible, increasing the pool of potential F2 stars for future seasons in the process.

One of the figureheads in the design direction of the new 2024 car, Michot explains the thought process behind the changes and how driver feedback has become more integral than ever before.

“This new Formula 2 steering wheel is an evolution of the F3 steering wheel. We wanted to do some modifications on the grip of the wheel to make sure we can maximise feel and comfort for all kinds of drivers. So, we have a new set of handles for the steering wheel going into 2024.

The changes are aimed at making the F2 steering wheel easier to use

“With the ergonomics, one of the most important things was to make sure that the handles of the steering wheel would fit the widest range of drivers, from short to tall ones. All types of drivers are able to have the best feel and grip with their hands on the wheel.

“The comments we had when we tested small handles, 3D-printed in a static handling test, they all said it was better to have the smaller handles because they have more flexibility, going moment to moment on the wheel. So this new design will bring more comfort.

“It’s a bit like when you’re holding a water bottle and it’s slightly too big and you’re stressing your hand trying to keep a hold of it. Whereas when it’s smaller, it’s easier to hold onto. Now they have something that is more flexible so they can have something that suits them properly in terms of ergonomics and comfort.”

With Formula 2 being the penultimate step on the ladder to F1, preparing drivers to tackle the challenges is one of the most important factors for the Championship and a key design principal of the ’24 car.

Of those drivers on the 2024 F1 grid, eight drivers have come through the Formula 2 ranks.

Five from the 2023 F2 grid also appeared on Grand Prix weekends last year, performing FP1 duties. Prior preparation is crucial then beyond the wheel-to-wheel skill drivers accumulate in their careers.

Getting drivers used to onboard systems early is crucial with a view to what is expected in F1

“The steering wheel that we’ve chosen is because there’s a lot of functionality in order to prepare the drivers for F1 systems with all the VSC, Safety Car and other information that needs to be given to the drivers while they’re out on track.

“That’s why we’ve come up with this steering wheel and given the teams the possibility to do some adjustments with the mappings, switches and rotaries we have on the steering wheel.”

While the technical adjustments available to drivers on the wheel are of course limited to set functions via buttons and dials on their wheel, car setup also extends to ensuring they have the perfect touch at the wheel.

“All of the new handles are standard but the grips can be tweaked with tennis tape so drivers and teams can adjust with additional material, but they cannot change the grip specifications. They can accommodate all of the button functionality for the needs of the drivers. They can make a few possible modifications there alone.”

With the new car designed at promoting the closest racing possible and with a wider variety of driver reached through the adaptation of cockpit design, F2 2024 is a huge step on a technical front and promises plenty of action in future seasons.