Formula One Racing - Gear Changing

[Dizzieblonde]

There's probably a blindingly obvious answer, but always wondered how the gears work on Formula One-type high speed cars. Since they set off at such high speeds, do the drivers have to move up the gears like in a normal car, or do they just have a 1st gear and a 5th gear, or similar?

[saxy_jag]

They have semi-automatic gearboxes and can change up by pressing buttons attached to the steering wheel. Experience and instruments tell them when they need to change up or down a gear.

[gsr600]

if you really want to know- take a look here --Dizzieblonde
http://www.formula1.com/insight/technicalinfo/ 11/467.html

[imajenarry]

they change up when the engine note and cockpit instuments tell them to they don't have to use the cluch for this. they change down when the speed of the car is slowed by the brakes, this slowes the engine and then you match the gear to the speed same as in a normal car but they must use the clutch for this.

[kramer81]

I think there is 6 or 7 forward gears which they operate with paddles behind steering wheel. I didn't think there was a clutch

[ms51ves3]

The clutch is another paddle behing the steering wheel, as they change down they hold this paddle. They do not have one for changing up so they can get to speed quicker.