Even Ferrari Is Guilty Of This Mistake
Ferrari is backtracking on one of its more controversial tech decisions.
Key Points
- In response to widespread customer complaints, Ferrari will abandon touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons in favor of physical ones across all future models, starting with the new Amalfi.
- Ferrari plans to offer an easy retrofit for existing vehicles with haptic controls, replacing only the steering wheel’s center section at dealerships—no need to return the car to Italy.
- While initially inspired by smartphone usability, Ferrari admits the haptic system failed in real-world driving, compromising its goal of “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel.”
After significant customer feedback, the Italian supercar house has officially confirmed it will phase out the haptic touch controls introduced on its steering wheels in favor of traditional physical buttons—starting with the all-new Amalfi.
The brand first introduced the touch-sensitive, haptic controls on the SF90 Stradale hypercar in an effort to modernize the user interface. Inspired by smartphone interactions, Ferrari believed the tech would improve usability and responsiveness. However, in real-world use—especially in a vehicle designed for high-speed driving—the system has proven to be more of a distraction than an advantage.
According to Autocar, Ferrari Chief Commercial Officer Enrico Galliera admitted the brand overreached in its pursuit of innovation. "The final execution was extremely innovative," Galliera explained, "but we didn't consider that when you use it, you're also driving. The end result went against our original goal of keeping drivers’ eyes on the road and hands on the wheel."
Owners were especially vocal about the lack of a traditional engine start/stop button, a tactile element that’s become an iconic part of Ferrari’s identity. That button returns on the Amalfi and will now remain standard on future models.
Ferrari says it will continue using digital controls where appropriate but plans to reintroduce physical buttons for high-use functions moving forward. Galliera noted that the company will "rebalance the ratio between digital buttons and physical buttons" to ensure functionality and driving engagement aren’t compromised.
Owners of current models won’t be left behind. According to product development chief Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Ferrari is working on a retrofit solution that can be done at authorized dealers without sending the car back to Italy. Only the center portion of the steering wheel would need replacing—an easy fix compared to a full swap.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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one might think Ferrari might’ve learned something from the 1959 Edsel push button steering wheel;