Braking in Singapore, a testing ground for F1 drivers

9/13/2023

The last Formula 1 race this summer will be held in Singapore, the first of three rounds in a row in Asia.

The last Formula 1 race this summer will be held in Singapore, the first of three rounds in a row in Asia. The Singapore GP is one of the few races on the calendar where Max Verstappen has never clinched a victory even if he has raced there 6 times. According to Brembo technicians, the Marina Bay Street Circuit is very demanding on the brakes.

On a scale of 1 to 5, it is rated 4 because of its quick pace as shown by the average lap speed of 190 km/h (118 mph) on dry tarmac and a lack of space for cooling down since the longest straight section is just 832 meters (910 yards) long.

Record braking and load on brake pedal

Compared with the Monaco Circuit which is just 3,337 meters (2.07 miles) long, the Marina Bay Street Circuit is 1.7 km (1.05 miles) longer and yet the number of braking sections per lap is not very different: 12 in the Principality of Monaco the same as Baku and Suzuka, but Singapore holds the record with 15.

From the starting line to the finish in the Singapore GP, each driver exerts a total load of nearly 105.5 metric tons on the brake pedal, double that of Suzuka and a season record. What is more, on 9 of the braking sections, the drivers apply a load of over 100 kg (220 lb) with deceleration of at least 3.4 G for each of these braking sections, significant values which require exceptional strength and muscle power.

200km/h (124 mph) less in 96 meters (105 yards) 

Of the 15 braking sections at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, 4 are classified by Brembo technicians as demanding on the brakes, 5 are of medium difficulty, and the remaining 6 are light.

The most demanding braking is on turn 14: the single-seaters go from 289 to 90 km/h (180 to 56 mph) in 2.28 seconds and cover a distance of just 96 meters (105 yards).

At this point, the drivers are subjected to a deceleration of 4.8 G and apply a 153 kg (337 lb) load to the brake pedal.

And what about the video games? 

Taking on turn 14 at the Singapore GP in the best possible way is not that easy because the lack of sun, the street lamps and the high rise building opposite multiply the lights.

Fortunately, distance signs are placed on posts on the left-hand side. Go past the 150 meter one, start applying maximum braking power at the 100 meter sign and move down into 2nd gear.

Anyone who overruns the turn can take advantage of the escape lane.