After greater than a month with out racing, Formulation 1 returns to motion in Florida for the Miami Grand Prix, marking the fifth version of the occasion.
The Miami Worldwide Autodrome, which measures 5.412 km, is just not among the many most demanding circuits for the braking system. Based on Brembo engineers, the monitor is rated with a problem index of two out of 5. Over a single lap, drivers use the brakes for slightly below 10 seconds, roughly 11% of the lap time, one of many lowest figures of all the season.
Nevertheless, this statistic should now be interpreted otherwise in comparison with the previous. With the 2026 Formulation 1 vehicles, braking factors tackle an much more strategic function, as they turn out to be key moments for power regeneration. On a circuit that’s comparatively gentle on braking calls for, how deceleration is managed can considerably affect general energy unit effectivity and the quantity of power obtainable on subsequent straights.
Evaluation of corners and braking
In Miami, there are three main braking zones, all categorised as Laborious, though none exceed 4 g of deceleration. Essentially the most demanding is Flip 17, the place the vehicles decelerate from 320 km/h to 78 km/h in 3.66 seconds, protecting 165 meters. On this part, drivers expertise a peak deceleration of 4 g, apply 114 kg of strain on the brake pedal, and generate a braking energy of 1,734 kW.
In comparison with 2025, the brand new technical traits of the vehicles have modified the braking profile. Braking energy ranges have decreased, as has the pedal load, whereas braking time and distance have elevated. At Flip 1, for instance, braking energy has dropped from 2,426 kW to 1,660 kW, with pedal load lowered from 169 to 120 kg. The braking part has as a substitute elevated from 2.60 to 2.94 seconds, whereas the space coated has grown from 117 to 136 meters.
The part know-how has additionally developed. In 2025, the entrance axle used Brembo carbon brake discs with a thickness of 32 mm and a diameter of 328 mm, that includes 1,050 air flow holes of three mm. This yr, groups are utilizing discs with a diameter of 330 mm, with the opportunity of reaching as much as 345 mm, and 1,440 holes of two.5 mm. Some groups have remained with 32 mm thickness, whereas others have moved as much as 34 mm. This improve in dimension has raised the unit weight from 1.75 kg to 2 kg.
For Brembo, this can be a very particular occasion. The Miami Grand Prix will mark the 900th Formulation 1 race during which not less than one automotive on the grid is supplied with braking elements equipped by the Italian firm. An extended-standing historical past that started in 1975, when Brembo first equipped Ferrari with forged iron brake discs.
