Tech-Gadget Mantra

See the button-infested control set-up that will guide Button and company around the track






Getting to grips with having F1 in our lives once again, we take a look at the space-age steering device set to be on the receiving end of Schumacher's jabbing fingers this season.







1/ MSG OK



Confirms settings dialled in with multi-function dial and menu settings.









2/ Menu scroll buttons



Steps through menus of settings chosen using the master switch (14).









3/ Differential adjustment



Can be shifted to suit track conditions and tyre wear, for instance to increase traction, grip, braking stability and turn-in.









4/ Neutral switch



Engages neutral/reverse.









5/ Front wing switch



Adjusts angle of front flaps to increase downforce.









6/ Radio LED



Illuminates in blue to inform the driver that the pit-to-car radio is active.









7/ Pit-to-car radio



On/off toggle.









8/ Fuel mix adjustment



Adjusts the fuel mix and revs either to preserve the engine or increase performance, as required.









9/ Throttle map override



Adjusts throttle and power characteristics to suit track conditions.













10/ Overtake button



Momentarily increases the engine revs to its 18,000rpm maximum. Helps with overtaking and scaring off pigeons.













11/ Pitlane speed limiter



On/off toggle.













12/ Engine braking level



Particularly useful in the wet for increasing rear-end stability.











13/ Tyre configuration



Optimises car settings for slick, intermediate or wet tyres. Also activates the rear rain light.











14/ Master multifunction switch



Allows the driver to access a number of system settings including engine maps, front wing controls and an aero-mapping function that monitors and maximizes car airflow.