F1 steering wheels in 2020 featured various types of thumb dials designed for quick adjustments. The most common types included:

  • Rotary Dials – Used for fine-tuning engine modes and differential settings.
  • Multi-Position Switches – Allowed drivers to toggle between fuel mixes and brake balance settings.
  • Push-Button Encoders – Provided incremental adjustments with minimal hand movement.

Functions of Thumb Dials in F1 Racing

Each thumb dial served a crucial role in race performance, including:

  1. Engine and Power Unit Management: Adjusting fuel usage, hybrid deployment, and power delivery.
  2. Brake Balance and Differential Control: Fine-tuning for optimal cornering and braking efficiency.
  3. Tire and Weather Adaptations: Changing settings based on track conditions and tire wear.

How Thumb Dials Impact Race Performance

  • Quick Adjustments: Helped drivers react instantly to race conditions.
  • Minimized Distractions: Allowed changes without taking hands off the wheel.
  • Customization for Strategy: Enabled teams to implement dynamic race strategies based on real-time data.

By utilizing advanced thumb dial technology, F1 teams in 2020 maximized performance, ensuring precise control and competitive edge on the track.