Many, far too many times in Formula 1’s technical narrative, brakes are overlooked, despite teams and drivers building a significant part of their lap time in braking zones. It is no coincidence that teams work closely with specialized companies in the sector, seeking the best compromise between performance, driver confidence, weight, and temperature management. A leading player in this field is Brembo, which in 2025 will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Formula 1, having started its journey in the sport in 1975.
The importance of collaboration
Braking efficiency is one of the most rewarding qualities in determining lap time. The need for drivers to have confidence in their car is often discussed, but equally important is the harmony between the driver and the braking system. This aspect will become even more central in 2025, a season marked by numerous debuts and team changes. The prime example is Lewis Hamilton, who, in addition to other changes at Ferrari, will interact with Brembo discs for the first time.
Collaboration with the supplier—most often Brembo—becomes crucial in developing a stronger connection between the driver and the brakes. By consulting the supplier, it is possible to understand how to adapt driving style and track management, drawing conclusions that are also useful for design. This represents a key area of differentiation: understanding this potential better than others and intensifying collaboration with the partner company is a quality that in past seasons has proven to make a difference, both on the stopwatch and in the standings.
Hidden development
The synergy between teams and suppliers also extends to design, starting with the brake discs. Teams supplied by Brembo, for example, can choose from different systems for attaching the disc to the bell and, more importantly, different cooling levels. In the most extreme configurations, these can reach 1,100 and 900 ventilation holes on the front and rear, respectively. However, choices are not dictated solely by brake system reliability and performance. The heat generated by the brakes is also transferred to the wheel rim and from there to the tire, indirectly influencing tire temperature management.
Brembo also produces brake master cylinders for six teams, while four teams use its brake-by-wire system to manage the two rear braking contributions: the hydraulic one and the regenerative one from the hybrid system. Finally, among the components handled by the Bergamo-based company, the brake calipers stand out, made strictly from solid nickel-plated aluminum alloy. Each team works separately with Brembo engineers to develop calipers that align with their specific design priorities, paying particular attention to the balance between stiffness and lightness. Weight is especially important for the braking system, as these are unsprung masses—mounted directly on the wheels and therefore not filtered by the suspension.
Overall, nine teams use Brembo calipers, while one team relies on components from AP Racing, a company based in Coventry. However, AP Racing is also part of the Brembo group and is the same company that supplies clutches to eight teams. Given how crucial race starts will be, particularly in a season where increasing aerodynamic turbulence will make overtaking more difficult, the Bergamo-based group is set to play a key role in both championship battles.
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