F1 EXPLAINS: The incredible technology behind braking systems – and how drivers cope with the huge G-forces

Taming the insane speed of an F1 car takes extraordinary skill and incredible technology. The brakes glow red hot. The drivers feel huge G-forces. How do F1 braking systems work, and how do drivers cope every time they slam their left foot into the pedal?

On the latest episode of F1 Explains, hosts Katie Osborne and Christian Hewgill are joined by some special guests as they break down brakes.

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The braking system on every Formula 1 car is made by Brembo, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Andrea Algeri – engineer from Brembo, the Italian company which produces brakes for the entire F1 grid – explains how they work to design, test and produce bespoke brakes for each team.

Also on hand to give his insight is Alpine Reserve Driver Jack Doohan. The Australian has completed hundreds of testing laps around Monza and Abu Dhabi, circuits with several heavy braking zones.

He tells us how it feels to hit the brake pedal at 200 miles per hour and what it does to a driver’s body. He also explains how drivers use brakes to attack and defend in a race, and how to avoid a dreaded ‘lock-up’.

To listen to the full episode, hit go on the audio player above – or click here to listen on your preferred podcasting platform.

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And to get your questions answered, you can send a query about any F1 topic you fancy to F1Explains@F1.com. Our intrepid podcast team will then hunt down the best person in the paddock to give you the answer.

All episodes of F1 Explains are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other major podcast apps. New episodes are released every Friday.