2026 rules · Updated for 2026
F1 power steering explained
Why Formula 1 cars assist the driver's steering while retaining direct feedback.
Quick answer
F1 power steering reduces the force needed to turn tyres loaded by downforce while leaving the driver responsible for every steering command. The permitted assistance cannot steer the car autonomously.
Why assistance is needed
Wide tyres, high cornering load and rapid direction changes would create extreme steering effort without a controlled assistance system.
What the driver feels
Teams tune assistance for a predictable relationship between steering load and tyre behaviour, helping the driver detect understeer, kerbs and slides.
The regulatory boundary
The steering system must follow the driver's input and comply with the current technical provisions; automated four-wheel steering or driver-replacing control is not the purpose.