The next generation of F1 cars could bring with it some extreme braking systems.<\/p>\n
All-new chassis and power unit regulations will transform the sport next season with teams already feverishly working on the design of their new cars.<\/p>\n
F1 2026 hybrids trigger extreme rear brake designs<\/p>\n
From F1 2026, there will be an increased use of hybrid energy from the 1.6-litre turbocharged power units.<\/p>\n
The sport will do away with the heat recovery system, which was deemed too expensive and complicated as the sport worked to attract new manufacturers.<\/p>\n
Regeneration will continue to happen through the MGU-K, with the rear axle playing a crucial role in energy harvesting, which in turn has a significant impact on brake design.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the rear axle, we have seen extreme choices in the sense of disc dimension,\u201d Andrea Algeri, Brembo\u2019s F1 customer manager, told The Race.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are very small, compared to the current ones in terms of diameter, but also in thickness.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo it means that they believe that on the rear axle they are basically not braking at all or only in a few cases.\u201d<\/p>\n
Requirements for the minimum braking hardware for F1 2026 are laid out in the technical regulations, which stipulate must have a stopping power of -2500Nm of torque per wheel, without the use of other systems (such as MGU-K).<\/p>\n
However, while the hardware must be on the car, there is freedom as to how those systems are used.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we are expecting is that the brakes will not be used at all in some corners because the braking is done with other systems,\u201d Algeri said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen, on the other side, there will be some corners where they are very, very stressed. So you have to be prepared to face this wide range.\u201d<\/p>\n
More on F1 2026 rule changes<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udc49 F1 2025 v F1 2026: Nine key questions ahead of huge regulation changes<\/a><\/p>\n