One area of constant development is brake systems, as teams attempt to reduce weight, improve heat dissipation, and increase the car’s overall stopping performance.
Red Bull has made several changes to its brake calipers for 2023, as it continues to make small incremental gains that will add up over time. The brake assembly of last year’s RB18 was a fascinating case study from the squad, as it made many refinements throughout the course of the first half of the season to find the best solution (inset).
Red Bull Racing RB19 front brake caliper (yellow highlights RB18 inset)
Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Red Bull had been one of the teams to create a fairing that enclosed the brake disc, isolating it within the larger drum which had been created by the new regulations and the arrival of the 18-inch wheel rim.
The fairing is a means to help bridge the dimensional differences that had been created between the discs and the rim, whilst also offering a method with which to keep the brakes within a certain temperature window to improve their performance too.
Teams had become accustomed to being able to harness the heat exchanged between the brakes and wheel rim, as well as fully understanding the impact it has on the tyre’s bulk temperature under the previous regulations. Therefore, the change of rules was only going to see them try to replicate what they could with the new designs.
Last year, the fairing was modified in terms of its shape and the coatings applied to get the best possible performance from it. The same could be said about the caliper too, as a new coating was applied to its surface to help reduce heat transfer.
For the new RB19, Red Bull has overhauled the brake assemblies design once more, with the size of the disc fairing increased and its shape revised, while the caliper has been subject to some changes to reduce weight and improve cooling further still.
The central ports, which grant the heat generated by the brake disc’s passage through the caliper, have been increased in size. Furthermore, an array of small tubes has been added that act like fins to keep temperatures under control (highlighted in yellow, above).
Aston Martin AMR23 front brake assembly caliper (yellow highlight AMR22 inset)
Photo by: Giorgio Piola
Aston Martin has also made significant changes for 2023, overhauling the entire assembly, including the position of the caliper, to help it join the growing contingent now using the disc fairing…
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