The 2020 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix according to Brembo

7/15/2020

A guide to the Brembo braking systems in Formula 1 single-seaters and their use at the Hungaroring

According to Brembo technicians, the Hungaroring is one of those tracks with a medium level of difficulty for brakes. On a scale of 1 to 5, it earned a 3 on the difficulty index, matching the score of other tracks such as Spielberg and Barcelona.

The track record is held by Max Verstappen, with an average lap time of 211.5 km/h (131.4 mph). That is a low average compared to other tracks, demonstrating just how tortuous the track is and the need to use a high aerodynamic load.

The Brembo brake pads for Formula 1

The friction material used for Brembo Formula 1 pads is CER. This material guarantees optimum warm-up times (in other words, it reaches the most efficient operating temperature as quickly as possible), a wide range of use both in terms of pressure and temperature, and a very linear friction response.

The friction coefficient between disc and pads is 0.7-0.9 compared to 0.4 reached by a sports car with pads in organic material. A pad weighs about 200 grams (7 ounces), a quarter of the weight of a pad for road use. It lasts 800 km (500 miles), with repeatable performance from start to end.

Brake use during the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix

The Hungarian track features eleven braking sections, for a total time on the brakes per lap of almost 18 seconds, one of the highest times in the World Championship and 7.7 tenths more than the Red Bull Ring. From the start to the checkered flag, the brakes are in use for more than 20 minutes.

From when the lights go out to the finish line, each driver applies a force of 56 tons (61.7 US tons) on the brake pedal, one of the highest figures in the 2020 World Championship. That is quite an effort for the drivers, added to which will be the high air temperatures of the period.

The most demanding braking section of the Hungarian GP 

Of the eleven braking sections at the Hungarian GP, three are classified as very demanding on the brakes, one is of medium difficulty and the remaining seven are light.

The most fearsome is the first turn after the start-finish line, where the single-seaters approach at 346 km/h (215 mph) and slow to 109 km/h (68 mph) in just 137 meters (449 feet). The drivers apply a load of 182 kg (401 lb) on the brake pedal for 2.58 seconds and undergo a deceleration of 5.5 g.