So I've just started playing Automobilista 2, and the issue I'm having across all cars that are manual H-pattern is that the flappy paddles on my G29 are still able to shift the gears at any time on the track, even though I have automatic clutch disabled. It's really annoying because I sometimes accidentally shift up or down using the flappy paddles with a H-pattern car with clutch. Is there any way to disable this?
Welcome to the forum, makki3! There is a workaround: Using different control schemes, where one has mapped the flappy paddles but not the H-pattern gears, and vice versa with the other control scheme. When you switch from driving a car with sequential to one with H-pattern, you switch to using the other control scheme. See: Options => Controls => Control Scheme => User Control Preset
I am using that workaround , for now its not possible to change a preset when you are in a lobby. Its only possible to change when you use the options menu from the starting screen . A bit annoying when you do multiplayer sessions , it works but you always have to return to the starting screen 2021 12 10 23 42 39 - YouTube
Your suggestion of ignoring the (paddle) shifter doesn't cover situations when the paddle shifter is engaged by accident (maybe while racing intensely?), which the original poster mentioned was a problem:
I guess that if you are prone to doing that, it will be a problem in all cars. It's a different issue.
It's easy to mistakenly hit the paddles on the Fanatec BMW wheel, which has large paddles. H-shifter cars shouldn't allow the use of paddles if you have an h-shifter.
If you are in a lobby that uses automatic pit entry/exit and you have forgotten/ignored that your shifter is in first or whatever gear , you then go to the start of the race, what happens? Your car stals ( asuming automatic clutch is of), you have 3seconds to get it started witch does not work most times , the chance that someone hits you from behind is pretty big.(happened to me a few times) Pressing the cluth from before does not work . If you are in gear with the H-shifter you should not be able to shift with the paddles , thats why i am using that workaround.