The modern Formula One steering wheel weighs 1.5kg , costs £30,000 and takes six weeks to build . It allows the driver to change the behaviour of their cars at the flick of a button . Each driver has a specific design suited to their own preferences , from the space behind the wheel to change gear , the molded grips or the colour of buttons on their dash . Lewis Hamilton ’ s favoured colour , for instance , is purple . Here , Sportsmail 's Phil Duncan takes a closer look at Hamilton ’ s title-winning steering wheel . The steering wheel that Lewis Hamilton used during his winning season in 2014 Formula One Championship . DRS . Drag Reduction System changes rear wing to reduce drag . Can only be used after the first two laps , in DRS zones and if Lewis is within a second of the car in front . Left-hand side thumb wheels . To adjust the brake , engine and other settings , including pedal map , which can manage how the car is accelerating . OT . The overtake mode provides a boost . Nico Rosberg used this without authorisation from Mercedes as he attempted to pass team-mate Hamilton in last year 's Bahrain Grand Prix . Hamilton also used it , again without authorisation , to defend his lead at the subsequent race in Spain . Lewis Hamilton ( centre ) celebrates after winning the Formula One Grand Prix Championship in 2014 . Strategy . 12 strategic options - including the way he releases and recovers energy or turbo use . Centre . 15 switches to change set-up - such as when tyres are changed to different compounds . Menu . 12 engine settings such as energy management or the MGU-K energy recovery system . Hamilton takes part in the Formula One pre-season first test day at the Circuit de Catalunya , Barcelona . Mark . Identifies a point of interest in the data 'marked ' by the driver . RS . Race start mode activated on the grid before the start . Talk . To talk to his team during the race . Messages about performance are now outlawed . Right-hand side thumb wheels . Adjusts differential maximising exit speed from corners . The World Champion during pre-season testing at the Circuito de Jerez in Jerez , Spain earlier in the year . PC . Pit Confirm sends an automated message to tell the Mercedes crew Hamilton is coming into the pits . PL . Restricts speed in the pit-lane to 50mph . The screen . Shows speed , split times and when to change gear or alter brake balance . N. Puts the car into neutral . Hamilton will be hoping he can keep hold of his title during the upcoming Formula One season .
The modern Formula One steering wheels takes six weeks to build . Hide Caption