Asymmetric Braking in Formula 1: Explanation and Context of its Prohibition

Recently, asymmetric braking has become a topic of debate in Formula 1, leading the FIA to ban it for the remainder of the 2024 season. This type of braking allows teams to apply different levels of force to the wheels on the same axle, which can offer considerable advantages in vehicle handling, especially in corners.

How Does Asymmetric Braking Work?

In simple terms, asymmetric braking involves applying more braking force to one wheel than to another on the same axle. For example, in a right-hand turn, the left rear wheel (outer) would brake more than the right rear wheel (inner). This helps the car turn with greater precision and stability, improving its performance on the track.

Advantages of Asymmetric Braking:

• Improved Maneuverability: Allows the car to turn more easily in corners, which can be crucial on circuits with many of them.
• Correction of Understeer and Oversteer: Helps correct situations where the car tends to go straight in a turn (understeer) or turn more than desired (oversteer), facilitating more balanced vehicle control.
• Optimized Performance: Enables maintaining higher speeds in corners, reducing lap times without compromising stability.

The FIA Ban

In August 2024, before the Dutch Grand Prix, the FIA decided to ban asymmetric braking through a modification to the technical regulations. This rule specifies that braking forces must be equal and opposite on the same brake disc, thus preventing any competitive advantage gained through this system.

Historical Context

Asymmetric braking is not a new concept. In the 1990s, McLaren introduced a similar system known as the "fiddle brake," which was quickly banned following complaints from other teams. This system allowed independent control of braking on the rear wheels, improving performance in corners.