Lewis Hamilton’s small change to his Ferrari has been spotted (Image: Getty)
British Formula 1 star Oliver Bearman has noticed a particular change that has made to his car since joining .
ahead of the new season is now underway in Bahrain, with seven-time champion Hamilton getting a real feel for his new car since joining the Prancing Horse from in the winter. Bearman, who has earned a full-time seat with Haas for the upcoming campaign, has picked up on a small detail involving the 39-year-old’s steering wheel.
The 19-year-old is familiar with the Italian constructor’s wheel from his time as a reserve driver for them. Bearman also joined the Driver Academy in 2021 and so could recognise that Hamilton had asked the Scuderia to make an alteration to his buttons upon the steering wheel itself so they’re more aligned with his old Silver Arrows car.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“On his steering wheel, the DRS [Drag Reduction System] button, on it’s neutral,” Bearman said while out in the Gulf State.”So I think he moved a few things around to save things.
“But when changing [teams], even me when I went to Haas, just moving things around compared to what you’re used to is important. And I can imagine after 10-years in the same car, you build up some habits.”
A report from suggested that the adjustments to the car were made upon Hamilton’s first day with the Italians in January. After inspecting his new car, it’s believed he requested the modifications to the steering wheel in order to make his car feel more familiar.
With Hamilton required to make changes at high speed during races, the new design means he won’t have to consider which button he needs to press when the stakes are high. Changes to cars are a frequent sight in F1.
Oliver Bearman noticed the change (Image: Getty)
Bearman is known to have one clutch paddle on his steering wheel, while Haas team-mate has two. The difference is solely based on driver preference. Bearman was one of the busier drivers in the morning session of testing on Wednesday after completing 72 laps.
However, he claimed he was encouraged by the confidence Haas was giving him.”It’s a nice feeling to know I’m going to be here all year and I have my own car, my own garage,” Bearman to Sky Sports.”Really exciting and it’s starting to feel a bit real now.”
Meanwhile, Hamilton produced a promising display on the second morning as he topped the timesheet for . Since replacing , will have been hugely encouraged by Hamilton’s acclimatisation to the team, and they will now be hoping that the Brit and team-mate Charles Leclerc can end their 17-year wait for a championship.
On his first day with , Hamilton took to social media saying: “There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a driver, is one of those days.” He will be hoping this season is as memorable when he gets underway in the first Grand Prix of the season, set for March 16 in Melbourne, Australia.