The final round of the Formula 1 World Championship takes place with the Abu Dhabi GP, marking the 11th consecutive season finale at this venue. However, this is only the fourth time it will be raced on the current layout, which reduced the number of corners from 21 to 16 and shortened the track by 273 meters in 2020. McLaren leads the Constructors’ Championship with a 21-point advantage over Ferrari. Both teams are aiming for their first title since 2008, when McLaren secured the Drivers’ title, and Ferrari won the Constructors’.
The GP Data
According to Brembo’s technicians, the 5,281-meter Yas Marina Circuit is classified as a moderately demanding track for brakes. On a difficulty scale from 1 to 5, it scores a 3, even though there are seven braking zones per lap. While none of the braking zones exceed 115 meters, thermal dissipation issues and wear on friction materials may arise during the first half-hour of the race when the sun is still out.
The Toughest Corner
The most challenging corner for braking systems is Turn 6. Cars approach it at 307 km/h and slow to 64 km/h in 2.67 seconds over a distance of 114 meters. Drivers endure a deceleration force of 4.6 g and apply a brake pedal force of 146 kg. The braking power reaches 2,339 kW.
Will This Be the Year?
Despite 15 attempts, Ferrari has never won in Abu Dhabi, though it has achieved 10 podium finishes. Red Bull has won 7 times, Mercedes 6, with one victory each for Lotus and McLaren. Notably, Ferrari broke a 34-year winless streak in Mexico earlier this year. Currently, Ferrari has won at 39 circuits in Formula 1 using Brembo brakes.
In the Wind Tunnel
One of the most popular attractions in the fan zone at the Abu Dhabi GP is the F1 Blast Lane. Visitors step into a wind tunnel and are hit by an airflow, protected only by a pair of goggles. Wind tunnels have been used in Formula 1 since the 1970s and are even employed by Brembo to test the performance and reliability of its braking components before beginning mass production..
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