Ferrari brings back real buttons: a small change, a big statement
20/03/2026
Sometimes, progress means going backwards.
In a move that feels both unexpected and entirely logical, Ferrari is officially offering a steering wheel retrofit that replaces its controversial touch-sensitive controls with… real, physical buttons. And honestly? This might be one of the smartest decisions Ferrari has made in years.
From innovation… to irritation
When Ferrari introduced haptic touch controls on models like the Ferrari SF90, Ferrari 296 GTB, and later the Ferrari Purosangue and Ferrari 12Cilindri, the idea made sense on paper. Minimalism. Speed. A Formula 1-inspired interface. But in reality, something got lost.
Drivers found themselves looking down at the steering wheel, accidentally activating functions, or simply missing the tactile feedback that defines true driving engagement.
In short: It looked advanced. It didn’t feel right.
Ferrari listened and acted
Now, Ferrari is doing something rare in the automotive world. It’s admitting that customers were right.
Owners of models like the Purosangue and 12Cilindri can now opt for a factory-approved retrofit, replacing the central section of the steering wheel (including all haptic interfaces) with physical buttons.
No gimmicks. No compromise. Just proper, clicky feedback. And importantly, this isn’t limited to new cars. Models like the 296 GTB/GTS and Roma Spider are expected to follow.
A subtle change, a massive impact
Technically, the change is relatively straightforward. Ferrari doesn’t replace the entire steering wheel, but swaps out the central interface module. The design remains identical, only the interaction changes.
But the impact? Massive. Because this isn’t about buttons. It’s about confidence behind the wheel. It’s about instinct. It’s about keeping your eyes on the road, exactly as Ferrari always intended.
The recently introduced Ferrari Amalfi also quietly reintroduced physical controls, marking a clear turning point in Ferrari’s interior philosophy. And now, that philosophy is being rolled out backwards across the lineup. That tells us one thing: Ferrari isn’t just reacting. It’s recalibrating.
AutoNext Take
This is bigger than it looks. Because Ferrari is doing something many brands struggle with: Admitting that digital isn’t always better.
Driving should feel natural. Not digital. The irony? The future of driving might not be more screens. But better balance. Ferrari just reminded everyone of that. And if anything, this raises a bigger question: If Ferrari goes back to buttons… who’s next?
