Semi-automatic

A semi-automatic transmission in motorsport is a gearbox system that automates clutch operation while still requiring the driver to manually select gears, typically using paddles behind the steering wheel.

Semi-automatic transmissions offer significantly faster gear changes than traditional manual gearboxes, often completing shifts in milliseconds. This technology allows drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel during gear changes, improving control and reducing lap times.

First popularized in Formula 1 by Ferrari in 1989, semi-automatic transmissions are now standard in most high-level motorsport categories. They bridge the gap between fully manual and automatic transmissions, combining driver control with computerized precision for optimal performance.