Formula 1 single-seaters are equipped with power steering, a system that facilitates steering by reducing the effort required from the driver. This component is critical for handling the high lateral forces generated during high-speed cornering where the G-Force puts our favorites to the test.

History of Power Steering

The origins of power steering date back to the late 19th century. In 1876, an inventor named Fitts proposed an early patent for a power steering system, but without commercial success. Later, in 1902, Frederick W. Lanchester patented a hydraulic assist system in the United Kingdom, also without significant widespread adoption. It was in the 1920s that Francis W. Davis, an engineer with the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company, developed a hydraulic power steering system to facilitate truck driving. His work led to the installation of the first power steering in a Cadillac in 1931. The spread of power steering accelerated during World War II, when it was adopted on military vehicles to improve maneuverability. After the war, in 1951, Chrysler introduced the “Hydraguide” system on the Chrysler Imperial, making power steering available to the general public. Since then, power steering has become a standard feature in most vehicles…but not in racing until the 1990s.

Power Steering and F1, The First Steps.

Power steering was introduced in Formula 1 in the early 1990s. The 1993 Williams FW15C was one of the first single-seaters to use this system, designed to assist drivers Alain Prost and Damon Hill, who did not have the same physical strength as their predecessor Nigel Mansell. The first attempts sone from the previous decade; as early as 1981, Colin Chapman’s Lotus 88 had experimented with a power steering system, albeit in a less evolved form.

Modern F1

Today, power steering is a key component of F1 cars whose presence offers numerous benefits. First of all, it allows drivers to negotiate turns with greater precision, reducing fatigue during races especially when they take place in harsh weather conditions. It also allows for greater feel and control, crucial elements when pushing the car to the limit. Power steering in F1 is generally hydraulic, integrated with other systems such as the gearbox and clutch, and does not use electronic components; its adjustment is very complex. Some drivers are particularly sensitive to the “feel” provided by power steering, and their adjustment to the device can significantly affect performance.

Power steering in Formula 2 and Formula 3

Formula 2 (F2) and Formula 3 (F3) do not have power steering. F2 cars, for example, are designed without this system, requiring drivers more physical effort to maneuver the vehicle. This aspect makes driving more challenging, especially in tight corners or at low speeds, where the absence of the device is felt more and drivers must rely on their physical strength to control the car.
This requires a high level of physical preparation, particularly in terms of arm and shoulder strength. Less physically robust drivers may struggle, especially toward the end of a race, when fatigue begins to set in and driving precision may suffer.

The absence of power steering in F2 and F3 has been the subject of discussion, as it could be a barrier for some drivers.

Implications for Women Drivers.

The lack of power steering in F2 and F3 raises questions about equity of access for women drivers aspiring to Formula 1. Although there are no anatomical differences that prevent women from competing at the highest level, the absence of steering assist could pose a greater challenge for female drivers by requiring a particularly high level of physical fitness. The FIA is considering technical changes to make these categories more accessible, including the introduction of power steering, to promote greater inclusivity in the sport.

Latest notes on power steering

Power steering has revolutionized the way drivers interact with their cars, providing more precise control and reducing physical fatigue. While it is a standard component in Formula 1, its absence in F2 and F3 poses an additional challenge for drivers, particularly women who may be disadvantaged in terms of physical strength. Understanding these differences is essential to appreciating the different skills required of drivers in the various motorsport categories. The ‘introduction of power steering in these categories could help level the playing field, promoting greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport.