Judging by the fastest time in qualifying, the current Formula 1 single-seaters are slower than last year’s, and even on the shortest circuit on the calendar, the Red Bull Ring, the time difference between the single-seaters with ground effect and those of 2021 was significant: one second and 264 thousandths (1,264s).
However, those who have been able to see the current cars live have a clearer feeling about the performance that these modern F1 cars are capable of extracting despite the significant increase in weight (46 kg in the best of cases) and the important technical modifications that have been introduced with this new generation of single-seaters.
Ferrari F1-75 front brake detail
Brembo , the Italian brand that supplies and manages the brakes of the 10 teams on the grid of the highest category of motorsport, has worked this weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix in collecting data through its simulations to objectively evaluate the huge step forward in terms of performance that the 2022 F1s have taken in the braking phase.
The engineers of the Bergamo-based multinational compared the braking distance required last year in each of the 10 corners of the Austrian track compared to that recorded in the qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring.
And, although it is true that in almost all the turns the current single-seaters in ground effect won their respective comparisons, the most impressive figure was that of curve nº 9, high speed and to the right.
With the 2022 braking system and the downforce generated by ground effect, drivers were able to brake 32 meters later compared to 2021, when braking started 71 meters from the apex, whereas with current cars braking started 39 meters away. An improvement gives almost 50%.
Rules for F12022 brake discs
The braking system of current cars, thanks to the introduction of 18-inch wheels, has improved with the adoption of carbon brake discs that can have a diameter of 328 mm compared to 278 mm last season and Consequently, there has also been an adjustment of all the calipers and pads, improving braking through a larger friction surface.
