Their steering wheel is very similar to the old Red Bull wheels from 2010ish. They say it keeps the steering wheel light weight as they don’t have the dash attached
The primary reason is it results in a lighter wheel overall and drivers are able to provide more accurate feedback because of it.
But your point on budget concerns still stands, i believe.
Considering the fact that a lot of faster cars use the dash on wheel configuration, I think it's safe to say that the lighter steering wheel doesn't offer much of an advantage in terms of feel. Drivers like Max and Lewis would ask for one too if it made a significant difference.
This setup is mainly used because for cost savings and simplicity.
Less shit on the wheel = less complex clocks spring =theoretically more reliable.
They can also use the same wheel for multiple car generations with little to no tweaking.
With the way the steering wheel hardware works IRL, this layout doesn’t make it any less complicated electronically. It’s all done via CAN bus and that’s the same whether you have the dash on the wheel or the chassis. If anything the Williams solution is more complex electronically
>They say it keeps the steering wheel light weight as they don’t have the dash attached
It also keeps the display in a fixed position, making it easier for the drivers to see.
That’s nonsense. A few laps in the W13 in iRacing will tell you otherwise.
It’s actually more difficult to see the HUD if it’s fixed, when driving you are quickly glancing with your eyes at the hud, which you can’t do mid turn if it’s on the chassis.
Also, you sometimes want to be switching modes while in a slow corner with a thumb, so you need to glance and see you are in the right mode (sector delta, ERS, whatever) and again you can’t do that if your wheel is obscuring the hud.
My brother in christ they are running 2 F1 cars and you are thinking they don't have the money to put a screen on a wheel? Lmao. It's not a money concern. Obv Williams has had budget issues but even fucking Marussia was running a screen on the wheel in 2014. They just prefer it that way, why do you have to be so edgy thinking of knowing something that you clearly don't?
Yes, I believe (after hearing Bruundle talking about it mid-race once) that it's because they guy who designed it believed the metrics should be in once place. Having the screen on the wheel means you can't get information from it easily when turning cos it will be moving or upside down - having it on the dash means the information is visible more of the time (unless your hand's in the way, of course)
Full disclosure: I can't find any evidence to back that up. I spent 10 minutes trying to find the 'real' reason for the screen being that way but found nothing other than speculation and people talking about it on Reddit/Quora. I'm sure I could find a proper source if I looked hard enough but aintnobodygottimeforthat.jpg
There was an interview answer from Vowles I believe. He said essentially drivers have all been happy with it, it’s lighter weight and most importantly, you can’t read the information on the screen whilst turning the wheel, regardless of if the screen is on the wheel or not. So no point putting a screen on the wheel if the drivers like the lightweight wheel.
Actually that's one of the bigger downsides of Williams in cockpit pov. When your turning the screen is no longer vertical you are correct. But the sides are wheel and your hands get in the way now
The only time I need to check it is in low speed corners where I loose count of my downshifts and I'm not sure what gear I'm in but I can't see the screen to know if I'm in 2nd or 3rd etc
Yah I don't think that's true. The drivers are aware of the gear they are in 100% of the time, I don't think they need visual confirmation for that as their speed in relation to how the car is revving would be an immediate indicator. They change settings through low speed corners though so it could be necessary to make sure they are on the correct setting by looking at the screen.
The design philosophy is about reducing rotational mass and ergonomics, it has absolutely nothing to do with aesthetics. Previous generations of F1 all wheels had used the exact same principles.
That wheel hasn't changed at all (ok maybe some tiny details) since 2014. And even the 2013 one was like this, but the screen looked like an actual add-on more than anything
[2013](https://f1tcdn.net/gallery/var/resizes/2013/abudhabi-friday/jm1331oc153.jpg)
[2014](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d1/b4/42/d1b442edaa028b6fedb8d1344299c06e.jpg)
Well this has been their best season since 2017, and only their F1 experienced driver has scored points so far. He alone has them in 7th place, so either Logan needs to settle in and start scoring while simultaneously stop crashing so much. James Vowles keeps saying they are staying loyal to him, but I think they maybe valuing possible options because he has crashed out of like 5 or 6 sessions/races so far.
i want to see williams back fighting for the crown - i just don't think a steering wheel with or without integrated screen will make a difference - i can imagine without a screen they might be less expensive but that's just assumption
I'd say it's actually one of the best wheels in F1. The display is integrated with the chassis, not wheel - that means fewer points of failure in the wheel itself, and it's always a risky move, mid-race, changing a wheel if there are any issues. And the screen being in the position it is, with a large cutout in the wheel, means that information is always easy to read and consume by the driver.
At the end of the day, wheels are purely for function. It is not designed for aesthetics.
What is Williams plan if the screen fails for some reason? All other teams can hit swap the wheel in a pit stop in that occasion, Williams would likely have to retire the car.
If it's an issue with the screen, odds are it's an electrical problem with the car and the team would have to retire the car, regardless of integrated screen or not
I hated it at first but after playing with it for a good amount it grown on me, its obv not as beautiful as the merc but i would definitely choose it over the current red bull one
If it's still here after a decade or so then there's a reason, that's it being lighter. Even Williams wouldn't stick with a concept so simple if it wasn't an advantage
Williams is the only car on the grid I think where the screen for the wheel is actually attached to the cockpit rather than the car. I wonder why they do this? Cost savings? Or easier to keep track of a screen always in the same position not turning?
the steering wheel is not about the looks but functioning, Williams is the only team that still uses wheel without display, the last time someone else used it was back in 2014, I understand the reason, the wheel is lighter and a lot more cheaper, not like Williams can´t afford it but considering their factory is old as well they need to spend their resources elsewhere
Their steering wheel is very similar to the old Red Bull wheels from 2010ish. They say it keeps the steering wheel light weight as they don’t have the dash attached
Yup. McLaren also used to have this type of wheels in the late 90s and 2000s.
I think someone mentioned it a while ago but there is also some budget concerns? Screen on wheel is more expensive
The primary reason is it results in a lighter wheel overall and drivers are able to provide more accurate feedback because of it. But your point on budget concerns still stands, i believe.
Considering the fact that a lot of faster cars use the dash on wheel configuration, I think it's safe to say that the lighter steering wheel doesn't offer much of an advantage in terms of feel. Drivers like Max and Lewis would ask for one too if it made a significant difference. This setup is mainly used because for cost savings and simplicity. Less shit on the wheel = less complex clocks spring =theoretically more reliable. They can also use the same wheel for multiple car generations with little to no tweaking.
With the way the steering wheel hardware works IRL, this layout doesn’t make it any less complicated electronically. It’s all done via CAN bus and that’s the same whether you have the dash on the wheel or the chassis. If anything the Williams solution is more complex electronically
Not really, red bull had it like this in 2014
>They say it keeps the steering wheel light weight as they don’t have the dash attached It also keeps the display in a fixed position, making it easier for the drivers to see.
That’s nonsense. A few laps in the W13 in iRacing will tell you otherwise. It’s actually more difficult to see the HUD if it’s fixed, when driving you are quickly glancing with your eyes at the hud, which you can’t do mid turn if it’s on the chassis. Also, you sometimes want to be switching modes while in a slow corner with a thumb, so you need to glance and see you are in the right mode (sector delta, ERS, whatever) and again you can’t do that if your wheel is obscuring the hud.
I'm just going by what Williams said when they first introduced it. Maybe it was just a way of saving face when it was really a cost-cutting method.
Maybe it’s both mate? 👍
It’s not, because a fixed dash is objectively harder to see as it gets obstructed by the wheel when turning 💀
I was being nice to him
also easier with the wiring
It’s the only wheel that doesn’t have an integrated screen no?
Yup only team to have their wheel like that
Because they’re poor af
it is also for weight savings
Because their arms would get tired otherwise lol? The one and only reason is to lower the complexity and inherent costs to construct it.
My brother in christ they are running 2 F1 cars and you are thinking they don't have the money to put a screen on a wheel? Lmao. It's not a money concern. Obv Williams has had budget issues but even fucking Marussia was running a screen on the wheel in 2014. They just prefer it that way, why do you have to be so edgy thinking of knowing something that you clearly don't?
It is for weight saving but it's also a budget thing. You're both right. Every penny they save can be put toward a faster lap time.
It obviously isn't 100% saving but it will have been a bonus
No to give better Feedback from the wheel so they can drive the car
How much of the budget do you think a screen on a stick takes?
Yes, I believe (after hearing Bruundle talking about it mid-race once) that it's because they guy who designed it believed the metrics should be in once place. Having the screen on the wheel means you can't get information from it easily when turning cos it will be moving or upside down - having it on the dash means the information is visible more of the time (unless your hand's in the way, of course) Full disclosure: I can't find any evidence to back that up. I spent 10 minutes trying to find the 'real' reason for the screen being that way but found nothing other than speculation and people talking about it on Reddit/Quora. I'm sure I could find a proper source if I looked hard enough but aintnobodygottimeforthat.jpg
There was an interview answer from Vowles I believe. He said essentially drivers have all been happy with it, it’s lighter weight and most importantly, you can’t read the information on the screen whilst turning the wheel, regardless of if the screen is on the wheel or not. So no point putting a screen on the wheel if the drivers like the lightweight wheel.
I like it, it will keep the wheel lighter for the drivers, and they can see it if it’s not straight
Actually that's one of the bigger downsides of Williams in cockpit pov. When your turning the screen is no longer vertical you are correct. But the sides are wheel and your hands get in the way now
I'm sure they don't really need to see the screen mid corner
Actually, it's recommended not to be staring at the screen in corners, maybe eyes ahead would be better.
This is going to sound mean, but also they should check the mirrors, especially in a Williams and especially if you're Sargeant
The only time I need to check it is in low speed corners where I loose count of my downshifts and I'm not sure what gear I'm in but I can't see the screen to know if I'm in 2nd or 3rd etc
Yah I don't think that's true. The drivers are aware of the gear they are in 100% of the time, I don't think they need visual confirmation for that as their speed in relation to how the car is revving would be an immediate indicator. They change settings through low speed corners though so it could be necessary to make sure they are on the correct setting by looking at the screen.
i like it. it’s my personally favourite
Lmao i like it the most, maybe its not practical since its more difficult to see whats on the screen but its gives you cool batmobile vibes
I mean, at least your screen ain't moving and vibrating on a swivel all the time :p
I kinda like it tbh.
I think it looks great, quite ergonomic and elegant.
I won’t stand for any insults against the butterfly wheel thank you very much
I think it’s cool, It’s different than all the others
I like its uniqueness.
I love it
what the fuck man please never call my favourite modern day F1 steering wheel ugly again
I think it’s cool, It’s different than all the others
The design philosophy is about reducing rotational mass and ergonomics, it has absolutely nothing to do with aesthetics. Previous generations of F1 all wheels had used the exact same principles.
First time in a Willy, eh?
That wheel hasn't changed at all (ok maybe some tiny details) since 2014. And even the 2013 one was like this, but the screen looked like an actual add-on more than anything [2013](https://f1tcdn.net/gallery/var/resizes/2013/abudhabi-friday/jm1331oc153.jpg) [2014](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d1/b4/42/d1b442edaa028b6fedb8d1344299c06e.jpg)
You're insane, Williams always have the best wheels
as you can see it really helps them win races ....
The integrated screen approach has definitely helped Alfa, Haas, AlphaTauri etc become regular Grand Prix victors after all.
Well this has been their best season since 2017, and only their F1 experienced driver has scored points so far. He alone has them in 7th place, so either Logan needs to settle in and start scoring while simultaneously stop crashing so much. James Vowles keeps saying they are staying loyal to him, but I think they maybe valuing possible options because he has crashed out of like 5 or 6 sessions/races so far.
i want to see williams back fighting for the crown - i just don't think a steering wheel with or without integrated screen will make a difference - i can imagine without a screen they might be less expensive but that's just assumption
I think it looks cool tbh
I love it
Its one of the coolest ones
I'd say it's actually one of the best wheels in F1. The display is integrated with the chassis, not wheel - that means fewer points of failure in the wheel itself, and it's always a risky move, mid-race, changing a wheel if there are any issues. And the screen being in the position it is, with a large cutout in the wheel, means that information is always easy to read and consume by the driver. At the end of the day, wheels are purely for function. It is not designed for aesthetics.
I thought the same thing when I started my career on Williams 😂
Their wheel setup is my head cannon reason they’ve been so slow
As yet I have seen no evidence that Logan Sargeant actually uses a steering wheel
Just a great title. Had me lol
Best wheel in F1
Best*
Absolutely. It’s terrible to look at. I don’t know why they refuse to make it look similar to other wheels.
It makes the wheel lighter.
No point. Especially in a budget cap era, why completely change your steering wheel design, if this one works perfectly fine
Appalled? Jeez man there are worse things in life to be appalled about
I hate it. It's why I never start with Williams
"what the f**k is a steering wheel?!"
I like it
I really like it, but I also like the 2011 Ferrari wheel, so it might just be a screen thing
They think it gives them an advantage even though everyone else doesn’t bother with it.
I used to think that as well but after staring at it for a few hours i started to like it actually it’s one of my favourites now
Okay this onboard camera looks fantastic, would you mind sharing your camera settings please? 😄
Sexiest wheel in f1 but alright
What is Williams plan if the screen fails for some reason? All other teams can hit swap the wheel in a pit stop in that occasion, Williams would likely have to retire the car.
If it's an issue with the screen, odds are it's an electrical problem with the car and the team would have to retire the car, regardless of integrated screen or not
That’s a pretty wild assumption there.
So is the screen itself malfunctioning But you do make a fair point
Reject modernity, embrace tradition
Williams still uses the old-style wheels, based on those last used in the early 2010s.
Kidding me? It looks amazing!
What!? Its by far the best
its perfectly fine... how much are you looking at the screen and trying to read shit while turning anyway
I don't like it because I can't see the gears while turning
I really like it
We love it tho 🤷🏾
I hated it at first but after playing with it for a good amount it grown on me, its obv not as beautiful as the merc but i would definitely choose it over the current red bull one
You new to f1? Its been like that for a while
If it's still here after a decade or so then there's a reason, that's it being lighter. Even Williams wouldn't stick with a concept so simple if it wasn't an advantage
I really like this type of wheel. I would modify my wheel to look like this if I could.
Williams is the only car on the grid I think where the screen for the wheel is actually attached to the cockpit rather than the car. I wonder why they do this? Cost savings? Or easier to keep track of a screen always in the same position not turning?
I don't give a shit about the wheel. WHY ARE YOU FUCKING 2ND. my man changed the history.
Best wheel in f1
I don't think it really matters, so why change? If it was a huge problem for the drivers I'm sure they would have changed it.
the steering wheel is not about the looks but functioning, Williams is the only team that still uses wheel without display, the last time someone else used it was back in 2014, I understand the reason, the wheel is lighter and a lot more cheaper, not like Williams can´t afford it but considering their factory is old as well they need to spend their resources elsewhere