F1 Steering wheels design

[raymondu999]

Hey all,

Do steering wheel designs (not in terms of button positions, but in terms of the wheel shape? For example, we see the Ferrari and the McLaren having an actually similar-ish shape. However, the Red Bull wheel is a very aggressive looking x-shape. Then again however, the wheel designs have changed too. button/hamilton's steering wheel looks quite different from the one Alonso/Hamilton's McLaren had. Just wondering if this actually was somehow designed in terms of aero as well.

I never knew, however, that the wheel was tailored to suit drivers, as this video shows :
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6HFvF-QfTo[/youtube]

Thanks.

[raceman]

Just wondering if this actually was somehow designed in terms of aero as well.

steering wheel designed in terms of aero; are you joking??

[WhiteBlue]

Just wondering if this actually was somehow designed in terms of aero as well.

steering wheel designed in terms of aero; are you joking??

I think raceman is correct that there is also an aero design aspect. The wheel is actually cut off at the top 12 o'clock position in order not to expose it to the air stream when the car is on a straight. You realize it in a tight corner when the driver's hands actually go over the dash board into the air flow. The wheel is also cut at the bottom six o'clock position for convenience of leg movement.

Good video! =D>