F1i technical expert Nicolas Carpentiers reviews the technical curiosities spotted at the Chinese Grand Prix, while also providing you with exclusive images of new concepts.
McLAREN’S ‘SIZE ZERO’ STEERING WHEEL
This year, the McLaren-Honda MP4-31 is fitted with a more compact model of steering wheel. The electronic components have been miniaturised so the lower section could be trimmed down. This has freed up some extra legroom for Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button, while also allowing for bigger, user-friendly rotary dials.
In the middle, below the McLaren Applied Technologies-designed PCU8-D LCD screen, sits the main multifunction dial, which adjusts settings depending on whether slicks, intermediates, or full-wets are bolted on the car. It is worth noticing that the yellow OT (for overtake) control, as well as the Drag Reduction System (DRS) controls feature on the back of the steering wheel.
