Technical analysis – Budapest

F1i’s Nicolas Carpentiers provides you with images and explanations of technical concepts spotted at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest.

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MERCEDES’ BRAKE DISCS: I CAN SEE YOUR HOLLOW

The Mercedes W07s were fitted with unique brake discs in Budapest, with the edges of the discs hollowed out in the middle (see white arrows in the comparison above). The cut saves a few grams, and could also help ensure better cooling. To the best of our knowledge, this concave design is exclusive to the championship-leading car.

These discs were already spotted earlier this season in Russia. According to brake supplier Brembo, drivers spent 18% of a lap under braking at Sochi, i.e. similar figures to the Hungaroring. Both venues put a special emphasis on keeping the temperatures of brake discs and pads in check.