5) Not all of the circuits work the brakes in the same way
Practically unused on oval tracks, except when entering the pit lane and when there is an accident, the braking systems are subject to a different kind of strain on street circuits. Some of the tracks are distinguished by long straightaways with brusque braking (St. Petersburg) and others have more turns (Sonoma), flat stretches (Long Beach), numerous elevation variations (Mid-Ohio), or perfect road surfaces (the road course in Indianapolis) and still others have many asphalt changes (Detroit).
All of these variables call for a different use of the braking systems. The most challenging track by far is the one that winds through the streets of Toronto: over the course of 2.8 km, the drivers are required to brake just 4 times, but they exercise extreme pressure, often in the presence of harsh conditions. On turn 8, for example, the speed drops 160 km/h in less than 2 seconds. On the smaller oval tracks, on the other hand, the drivers turn to the brakes only when entering the pit lane or in the case of intense traffic.
For each of the 16 races of the 2016 Championship, here is an estimate of the level of severity on the braking systems, which was drafted by Brembo technicians on a scale of 1-10.