Ferrari reportedly developing simplified, Mercedes-inspired steering wheel for Lewis Hamilton in 2026

Ferrari is reportedly developing a new, simplified steering wheel for the 2026 season, moving away from the complex philosophy favored by Sebastian Vettel and towards a design more familiar to Lewis Hamilton. The change comes after a historically difficult first season for Hamilton at Maranello, where he failed to score a single podium and was consistently outperformed by teammate Charles Leclerc in qualifying.

Why it matters:

A driver's steering wheel is their primary interface with the car, and its layout can significantly impact performance and confidence. Hamilton's struggles in 2025, particularly in qualifying, have prompted Ferrari to adapt its hardware to better suit the seven-time champion's working style. This shift represents a significant investment in Hamilton's comfort and could be crucial for his and the team's resurgence under the new 2026 regulations.

The details:

• According to reports from Motorsport Italia, a new, lighter prototype steering wheel was tested during the Abu Dhabi weekend by Arthur Leclerc in Hamilton's car.
• The design is described as "simpler," with fewer direct-function buttons and a greater reliance on menu navigation, aligning more closely with the philosophy Hamilton used during his dominant years at Mercedes.
• The current Ferrari steering wheel's fundamental design dates back to the Sebastian Vettel era, which emphasized a high number of buttons and switches for immediate control over various car parameters.
• The 2026 regulatory overhaul, which includes the removal of DRS and new aerodynamic rules, provides a logical opportunity to fundamentally redesign cockpit controls.

Looking ahead:

The success of this ergonomic change will be measured by Hamilton's ability to extract more consistent one-lap pace and race performance from the 2026 car, known internally as Project 678. If the new steering wheel helps Hamilton feel more at home, it could unlock the performance needed to close the gap to Charles Leclerc and help Ferrari climb back up the Constructors' standings.