The evolution of the Mercedes steering wheel
The Mercedes F1 steering wheel has become iconic over the years. Conceptually unchanged since 2014, it has evolved steadily to the present day and has played a central role in the team’s numerous successes in the hybrid era. Ergonomics are critical in a Formula 1 cockpit, where every detail is meticulously considered to ensure the driver feels as comfortable and confident as possible. For Kimi Antonelli, the newest member of the Mercedes team, this attention to detail meant making small but significant adjustments to the wheel of his W16, including a creative touch in the choice of colors.
Key differences with George Russell’s wheel
Although this is Kimi Antonelli’s first season in Formula 1, he has not completely redesigned the steering wheel as some other drivers have done with their new teams. Nevertheless, he has made several modifications that are immediately noticeable. The top section of the wheel remains mostly unchanged, except for the button on the right marked “PC.” On Antonelli’s wheel, this button serves a dual function: Mark/PC. “PC” stands for Pit Confirm, which allows the driver to confirm to the pit wall that they have received instructions for a pit stop. The “Mark” function, on the other hand, enables the driver to mark a specific moment on the track for subsequent analysis with the engineers. On George Russell’s wheel, the Mark button is located at the bottom.
Where Russell has the Mark button, Antonelli uses the “OT” button for Overtake, which provides extra power for executing a pass. Interestingly, the Overtake button does not appear on the front of Russell’s wheel, suggesting it is positioned on the rear side. Additionally, Russell has a button marked “M,” whose function remains unclear, while Antonelli has the “DR” button, which activates a small electric pump connected to the helmet tube to allow the driver to drink. Like the Overtake button, this hydration button is likely positioned on the rear of Russell’s steering wheel.
Antonelli also introduced a minor change to the central rotor, moving the Dash command to position 10 and swapping it with the Bite control found on Russell’s rotor. While subtle, this adjustment demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail drivers invest in their cockpit setup. Beyond these functional updates, Antonelli added a touch of Italian flair by coloring the rotors that manage the Power Unit with the Italian tricolor, further personalizing his cockpit.
Design differences and ergonomic considerations
For the 2025 season, Mercedes redesigned the chassis and raised the driver seating position. Due to his taller stature, George Russell occasionally found his legs brushing against the wheel in certain corners. To compensate, he requested a slightly inward-curved grip, reducing bulk and improving ergonomics compared to Antonelli’s wheel. At the rear of the wheel, there are no differences in the gearshift paddles or the clutch lever, which remains identical between the two drivers. The use and configuration of the rear buttons remain undisclosed.
Given his very recent entry into Formula 1, Kimi Antonelli has not yet developed long-standing habits or preferences, so he did not feel the need to drastically overhaul the existing steering wheel design, which remains very similar to George Russell’s. However, as Antonelli gains more track experience and develops a clearer understanding of his personal comfort requirements, additional refinements to the wheel are likely to emerge, further enhancing his driving experience and performance potential.
Conclusion
The comparison between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell’s Mercedes W16 steering wheels highlights how even small design variations can reflect a driver’s unique preferences and ergonomic needs. From functional adjustments like the Pit Confirm and Overtake buttons to aesthetic touches like the Italian tricolor rotors, every detail is meticulously considered. As Antonelli continues to grow in his Formula 1 career, these subtle modifications not only improve comfort and usability but also demonstrate the intricate level of customization that goes into every top-level F1 cockpit.
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