F1 | Why Ferrari drivers are constantly asked to Lift and Coast – Brembo explains. Ferrari drivers are repeatedly asked to perform Lift and Coast during races, especially Charles Leclerc.

Charles Leclerc continues to grapple with technical demands from his Formula 1 car, and the frequent team radio instructions urging him to perform “Lift and Coast” maneuvers are turning into a recurring nightmare. The exchanges between the Monegasque driver and his race engineer Bryan Bozzi during Grands Prix often alarm the Tifosi, as they usually suggest an underlying technical limitation. One thing has become a constant this season: the repeated call for Charles Leclerc to lift off the throttle and coast before braking. But what exactly does this mean? Why does the number 16 Ferrari require this strategy more than other cars on the grid? And is Leclerc the only driver facing such an issue? Let’s take a closer look at the root causes behind Ferrari’s repeated requests.

What is Lift and Coast in Formula 1?

“Lift and Coast” is a driving technique used during a race to manage heat, fuel, or energy consumption. It involves lifting off the throttle earlier than usual—before reaching the ideal braking point—allowing the car to decelerate naturally before the driver applies the brakes. This smoother approach reduces the intensity and duration of braking, helping to protect the brake system from overheating and preserving the overall balance and performance of the car.

Andrea Algeri, a lead engineer and F1 customer manager at Brembo Racing, offered insight into the subject during an interview with Fanpage.it. Algeri explained the risks associated with skipping this procedure: “If a driver doesn’t perform Lift and Coast when needed, the entire braking system can come under serious stress. The carbon discs and pads can overheat, the brake fluid may begin to boil, and the brake pedal becomes longer and less responsive. At that point, the driver starts losing feedback from the system, which becomes a real safety concern.”

Why Does Ferrari Rely on Lift and Coast More Than Other Teams?

Brembo has stepped in to clarify its position, in part to defend itself from criticism suggesting that its brake systems are the root of the issue. “Of course, this issue concerns us as a supplier,” Algeri admitted. “But it’s worth noting that Ferrari is not the only team using our carbon materials. We supply brakes to four other teams on the Formula 1 grid, with nearly identical specifications. The brake discs and pads are only lightly customized—the base material is the same for everyone.”

Despite this standardization, Ferrari seems to be the only team consistently reporting issues related to brake temperatures. According to Brembo, this highlights that the core of the problem does not lie in the components themselves, but rather in how the team uses them. While Brembo provides the same foundational hardware across the grid, each team customizes its setup to suit its chassis, cooling architecture, and aerodynamic philosophy.

For instance, while the brake ducts on the outside may appear visually similar from one team to another, their internal design and air channeling strategies vary greatly. Teams must decide how to split airflow between brake discs, calipers, and tires—balancing the need for cooling against the desire to minimize aerodynamic drag. In Ferrari’s case, it is likely that the team has opted for more aggressive, low-drag solutions that prioritize aerodynamic efficiency at the expense of thermal management. As a result, their braking system runs hotter, and drivers—especially Charles Leclerc—are instructed more often to perform Lift and Coast to control temperatures.

Is Charles Leclerc the Only Driver Affected by This?

While Charles Leclerc is the driver most frequently heard receiving these radio messages, it doesn’t necessarily mean he is the only one affected. However, Charles Leclerc has a driving style that is particularly sensitive to brake feedback and front-end feel, which may make these temperature management strategies more noticeable in his case. The use of Lift and Coast helps him avoid pushing the brake system beyond its limits—but it comes at a cost: it disrupts his rhythm, compromises attack potential, and can influence strategy.

This phenomenon highlights a broader issue in Formula 1: even when using standardized components from suppliers like Brembo, the way each team integrates those parts into its overall car design—especially within the tight packaging requirements of modern aerodynamics—can dramatically influence how well the system performs. In Ferrari’s case, the trade-off between aerodynamic efficiency and brake cooling might be skewed too far in one direction, leaving drivers to deal with the consequences in real time over team radio.