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stem in sports: technology
A Formula 1 steer-
ing wheel gives the
driver a lot of ways
to help run his car.
the engine has to move less weight. However,
within those thin panels is a hardened steel
cage that protects the driver. The outer shell
actually is designed to break away on impact,
which lets the energy of the impact lessen or
dissipate before reaching the driver cage.
Much of the technology of these race cars
is hidden from view, used in the design of
the wings or the spoilers or the engine specs.
However, fans can see the driver’s steering
wheel, and it is indeed more like a jet than a
car. Formula 1 drivers have more than a doz-
en buttons they can push to operate various
car systems, as well as several dials, gauges,