The FIA have recently announced a significant rule change regarding the braking mechanics on Formula One cars, targeting any systems which may be asymmetric.
The new rule change is a crackdown on brake-steer technology, which is when one brake pad has more pressure added when approaching a bend, to improve the handling under heavy braking.
Article 11.1.2 of Formula One’s rulebook states:
“The brake system must be designed so that within each circuit, the forces applied to the brake pads are the same magnitude and act as opposing pairs on a given brake disc.”
After a recent FIA World Motorsport Council meeting, there is another sentence stated under this article:
“Any system or mechanism which can produce systematically or intentionally, asymmetric braking torques for a given axle is forbidden.”
Embed from Getty ImagesCorners such as Silverstone’s Brooklands corner, Suzuka’s hairpin and Bahrain’s infamous Turn 10 are challenging to navigate without locking up, asymmetric braking will help to reduce this from happening.
It is very uncommon for any rule changes mid season, so what exactly has happened to make such changes?
The FIA have debunked claims that this new sudden rule change was targeting one or two teams who may have been using the technology already this season.
An FIA spokesperson told motorsport.com “There is no truth that any team was using such a system.”
It is suggested that the sudden rule change is simply to future-proof the regulations in anticipation for the aerodynamic revolution set for 2026 onwards, in advance of any teams finding a loophole to take advantage of.
It is not the first time that the FIA have clamped down on braking systems mid-season, with the banning of McLaren’s extra brake pedal early into the 1998 campaign. This system was introduced in 1997, and helped the driver of the car direct brake force to the front or the rear of the car at their choosing.
Feature image credit: Will Thomas