The Ferrari 640, introduced in 1989, was the first Formula 1 car to feature a paddle-shift semi-automatic gearbox. Designed by John Barnard, it allowed drivers to change gears using paddles behind the steering wheel, eliminating the need for a traditional gear lever and clutch use during racing. The clutch pedal was only required for race starts and pit exits; once in motion, the system electronically managed clutch engagement during shifts, with drivers still manually initiating each gear chang