The cockpit of the race cars, and especially those of Formula 1 cars have evolved dramatically over the last decades. And the
steering wheels have developed exponentially to become a full-on computer system that can cost as much as an exotic sports car!
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| The "50s, gigantic steering wheels and no comfort. (Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com) |
The cars of the 50s were fitted with enormous wheels built of wood and metal. They were made exclusively to steer the front wheels. Period.
In the 60s, the cockpits of the F1 cars resembled a bathtub, with the drivers lying down. There were no seats
per se, as the interior of the car was usually well padded. But wait, a crucial piece of safety equipment was missing… Oh yes, the seatbelts!
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| Cockpit of the Lotus 49 of the "60s. (Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com) |
During the 70s, the steering wheels became considerably smaller. They were covered with leather or suede to offer a better grip, and they incorporated some fancy new technology in the form of a solitary button to activate the radio, which opened two-way radio communications between a driver and his pit crew.
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| Ferrari 312T4 of 1979. (Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com) |
