This steering wheel is an authentic MOMO-manufactured Formula One steering wheel from the 1997 Ferrari F310B, the car driven by Michael Schumacher during his second season with Scuderia Ferrari. Handcrafted by MOMO specifically for Ferrari’s F1 program, the wheel represents a pivotal step in the evolution of Formula One cockpit technology—bridging the era between mechanical simplicity and digital precision.
Constructed from carbon composite and aluminum, the wheel features a black suede grip for optimal tactile control under high G-force conditions. The face is dominated by a red digital display cluster, bearing the bold yellow MOMO logo, and surrounded by a series of multicolored rotary switches and tactile push-buttons, each assigned to critical vehicle functions.
Among the most notable controls are:
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N (Neutral) – green button for gearbox neutral engagement.
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L (Limiter/Launch) – red/orange button for pit lane limiter or launch mode.
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RADIO – yellow button for team communication.
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Rotary selectors for engine mapping, fuel mixture, brake balance, differential settings, and power steering control (“PS”).
The reverse side houses dual metal paddle shifters, controlling Ferrari’s semi-automatic gearbox system—an advanced configuration at the time—and the quick-release hub assembly, allowing rapid detachment from the steering column.
Identification markings underneath include:
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VLN-981 #22
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091FE32 / MTRAT
These internal Ferrari-MOMO references identify the wheel’s build batch and configuration, consistent with late-1990s Scuderia Ferrari F1 equipment.
Historical Context
The Ferrari F310B, designed by John Barnard and refined by Rory Byrne, was campaigned by Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine throughout the 1997 FIA Formula One World Championship. This was the car in which Schumacher famously battled Jacques Villeneuve for the title, cementing Ferrari’s return as a leading force in Formula One after years of struggle.
This MOMO steering wheel exemplifies the technological sophistication of the period: analog in tactile form, yet digitally integrated through electronic engine management and communication systems. It remains a tangible artifact of Schumacher’s relentless pursuit of precision and Ferrari’s revival during the late 1990s.
Technical Features
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Manufacturer: MOMO (for Ferrari)
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Model: Ferrari F310B (1997)
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Driver: Michael Schumacher (Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro)
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Materials: Carbon fiber composite, aluminum, suede
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Controls: Multi-function rotary selectors, push buttons, paddle shifters
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Display: Digital LCD gear and RPM readout
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Mounting: Quick-release hub mechanism
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Markings: VLN-981 #22 / 091FE32 / MTRAT
This steering wheel is a rare and highly sought-after piece of Formula One history, representing both Ferrari’s technical renaissance and Michael Schumacher’s early legacy with the team. As an instrument through which Schumacher commanded the F310B, it encapsulates the artistry, innovation, and competitive spirit that defined one of the most iconic eras in motorsport.
