54 replies to this topic

[rodlamas]

That doesn't align with the fact that the brake system removed after Australia though?

Which is why I find this so incredibly interesting. It must've done something, I refuse to believe it is a radio-button. But what was it, and why does it not fit with any of the known stories.

And it was a brake PEDAL and not a button

[Myrvold]

And it was a brake PEDAL and not a button

 

But as Coulthard said in the interview I linked to, they used a toggle on the steeringwheel for it as well.

Edited by Myrvold, 04 October 2023 - 17:25.

[rodlamas]

But as Coulthard said in the interview I linked to, they used a toggle on the steeringwheel for it as well.

A toggle was used to switch the side of the brake pedal. A button is being extensively used on the videos posted.

[7MGTEsup]

I remember a similar debate about the button on McLaren's steering wheel from 1998. I think there was even a thread on AtlasF1 about the mini-scandal with the title "What is that button for?" or something in that order.

 

It probably did nothing and was a huge troll to divert attention from what was really making the car fast.

[ANF]

Apparently, Ron Dennis was asked about the button after the 1998 Brazilian GP. (Coulthard had the button on the right-hand side.) https://forums.autos...-2000/?p=216565

A FRESH CONTROVERSY IN THE OFFING?

Italian TV commentators were yesterday harping upon a green button on the right hand side of the McLaren steering, blatently suggesting that this is an electronic form of traction control and practically blaming it for the “silver arrows” domination.

This was, in turn, referred to by McLaren boss Ron Dennis. “Have you seen our drivers using a button on the steering wheel on TV? Now, we’ll be accused of having another illegal gadget,” he said, adding that it is a perfectly legal system which cannot be contested. He declined to qualify its function, however.

Ron Dennis was once again radiant after the team’s third one-two victory which proved his previous contention that the brake system, contested so vehemently by Ferrari, was not the cause of their outstanding performance.

With regard to team orders, Coulthard confirmed that Dennis had directed his drivers not to crash out of the race at the first corner. Although Hakkinen lead from start to finish without actually being challenged by his team-mate, this stands to be reviewed from the Argentine GP, the next on the calendar. The two drivers will be free to fight each other to the end.

The two drivers confirmed they encountered no problems during the race except for the tyres’ temperature that rose beyond the norm in the final stages of the race. This confirms the signs shown by the McLaren pits to both drivers to ‘cool tyres’.

Two races, two doubles - three if taking Jerez into account. “With the contribution of Bridgestone and Mercedes, Dennis pointed out, quickly adding that the team still has to improve, a frightening prospect.