Car and driver, at one
In Formula 1, the focus on aerodynamics means no space in the monocoque can be wasted. And that means designing it to the millimetre.
The tub and cockpit are tightly framed and sculpted around the shape of the driver; the cockpit is the driver’s ‘work space’, so under the stress and heat of a two-hour race, it’s critical that the driving position is supportive and as comfortable as possible.
Within the tight confines of the monocoque, drivers need to have a snug enough fit to prevent them from moving around with the extreme G-forces during braking and cornering at high speeds. But if the cockpit is too tight-fitting, the discomfort can distract, and may hamper a driver’s ability to maintain his concentration.
No margin for error
The Formula 1 team’s cockpit design process actually begins almost a year before the basic layout of the following season’s car is defined, with both race drivers and two test drivers being measured, so that the new chassis comfortably fits all four of them.
The biggest changes from driver to driver are for ergonomics. Each driver has a different seating position and build. Knowing the drivers’ preferences, we try to make them as comfortable as possible without compromising their performance or that of their car.
Unique to each driver
Once a mock-up of the car’s basic layout is available, the drivers come into the McLaren Technology Centre for a seat fitting and to get a feel of the controls, the steering wheel, pedals and electronic dashboard.
Each driver’s carbon fibre seat is custom-moulded around them, using special, hard-setting foam.
Total control
After the seat, the drivers, engineers and designers turn their attention to the controls. In the tight confines of a Formula 1 cockpit, the steering wheel and seat are adjusted by the millimetre, to provide the optimum driving position.
Once seated, the drinks bottle and numerous switches, buttons and knobs that control a multitude of technical functions on the car (such as gear paddles and the pit-to-car radio) are positioned for optimum visibility and usability. Most of the controls are on the steering wheel, letting our highly trained drivers reach everything without taking their eyes off the road. Lewis Hamilton even practises using all the switches blindfolded, to make sure he is in total command of his car.