Paddle shift

Paddle shift is a gear-changing system in race cars that uses levers mounted on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to change gears without removing their hands from the wheel or using a clutch pedal.

This technology features two paddles - typically the right paddle for upshifting and the left for downshifting. When a driver pulls a paddle, it sends an electronic signal to change gears almost instantly, resulting in faster, more precise shifts than traditional manual transmissions.

First popularized in Formula 1 racing during the late 1980s, paddle shift systems have become standard in most professional motorsport categories and high-performance road cars. The technology improves both performance and safety by enabling drivers to maintain steering control while changing gears at high speeds.