Project Overview 

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is the result of an uncompromising vision, to create a road-legal car that delivers a genuine Formula 1 driving experience. Conceived in 2016 as collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Advanced Technologies and co-designed by the legendary race car designer Adrian Newey, the project set out to redefine what was possible in a hypercar.

bf1systems became involved from the early stages of the programme, taking responsibility for the design, development and production of the steering wheel for 150 Coupé and 85 Spider vehicles.

The Challenge 

With the finished car weighing only 1,270kg, every component was scrutinised during development to ensure its mass remained as low weight as possible. The steering wheel was no exception, despite being responsible for nearly all major vehicle controls, including indicators, start/stop, wipers, body lift, horn, driver display and shift lights. The steering wheel carried a strict weight target of less than 1.5kg (the car has no traditional steering column mounted stalks). 

Engineering Solution

To achieve the lowest weight possible meant utilising a carbon fibre structural carcass as the main element of the wheel. Measuring 310mm in diameter, the structure was required to survive stringent load cases while remaining exceptionally light. Extensive finite element analysis and material testing were used to optimise strength and stiffness while minimising weight.

The final carbon structure weighed just 0.24kg, with the fully assembled steering wheel weighed 1.4kg, coming in well under the target weight! 

Motorsport Usability 

Due to the extreme ingress and egress of the Valkyrie, a motorsport grade Quick Release system was required from the outset. The selected solution allows the wheel to be fitted in any orientation and self‑centre on attachment, while offering the durability and electrical reliability needed for road‑car use.

Bespoke Customisation  

Aston Martin Q department offered customers exceptional levels of personalisation, resulting in 84 standard steering wheel part numbers to cover the standard options available to customers, but additional customisation was available on request. 

The level of customisation included: 

• Alcantara or leather trim, in different colours with different thread colour 
• Metal, carbon or Mokume carbon front plate, with the option of painting on the front plate also 
• Anodised metal (customer selectable colour) or titanium jewellery kit (the metal switchgear) 

Delivery

bf1systems were responsible for the complete supply chain management for the project, working with suppliers to ensure PPAP was completed on the project, and ultimately parts were supplied to the production line on time to be fitted to the customer’s car ahead of its shakedown.  

From first involvement in 2016 to final production delivery in late 2024, the Valkyrie steering wheel represents nearly eight years of collaboration, showcasing bf1systems’ expertise in lightweight composites, integrated controls and low‑volume, high‑complexity programmes.

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Photo Credits: RM Sothebys