5 questions for Matteo Casti, Brembo F1 engineer

Brembo supplies every Formula 1 team with brakes, though, the company does not specify which team utilizes which components. For example, it’s well within the rules for a team to mix-and-match its brake system with individual disc and friction suppliers. Regardless of setup, this Sunday, the brakes will get a workout at Circuit of the Americas in Austin.

We asked Matteo Casti, Brembo Racing engineer for all F1 teams, five questions about the upcoming race and the Texas track.

(Photo by Darren Heath/Getty Images)

What makes the Circuit of the Americas a unique track for braking?
Of the 12 braking sections of the Circuit of the Americas, three are classified as demanding on the brakes, four are of medium difficulty, while the remaining five have a slight impact on the braking systems. This is a perfect mix of demanding conditions.

Does the big uphill section, to Turn 1, make braking a challenge?

At turn 1 the F1 cars reach 193 mph and brake for 2.31 seconds to go down to a speed of 63 mph, so it’s a really demanding condition for the brakes.

(Photo by Darren Heath/Getty Images)

What makes Turn 12 the heaviest braking corner?

Turn 12 is the heaviest braking corner because the F1 cars reach 205 mph and brake only for 2.9 seconds to go down to a speed of 55 mph, so it’s a really demanding condition not only for the brakes but also for the drivers that endure 4.44 Gs.

What track, in Europe or other F1 circuits, most closely compares to COTA for braking?

The first turn after the start has a narrow radius and, above all, is located on the top of a steep slope to climb, very similar to the one that accompanies the first turn of the A1 Ring in Zeltweg. The sequence created by turns 3, 4, and 5—a left-right-left—is very close to another famous sequence of direction changes: the wonderful Silverstone Maggots-Becketts turns. As well as 8 and 9, which make up a long-distance chicane, it has a lot in common with the “Fagnes” of Spa-Francorchamps.

2022 F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

What can we expect for brake changes for F1 cars for 2023?

Our main goal for 2023 is to improve the overall performance of braking system, and a weight reduction. But for the 2023 the main dimensions will not change a lot from the 2022 brakes.