P1racenews AI automatic summary:
RacingNews365’s technical analyst Paolo Filisetti reveals the genius idea behind McLaren’s brake system that has attracted attention from all the other F1 teams.
McLaren’s F1 advantage lies in its superior tyre management and thermal degradation control strategy, showcasing a strong lead over its competitors on the track. Despite doubts raised by Red Bull regarding the legality of McLaren’s inner brake drums, a thorough inspection by the FIA in Miami found no violations. Rival teams are now closely examining McLaren’s design and investing resources into developing their own versions to level the playing field.
By effectively managing operating temperatures and tyre pressures, McLaren has successfully isolated them from the heat generated by the brakes through the innovative use of Phase Changing Materials (PCM) within its brake drums. The PCM mesh, made up of tiny tubes containing metal alloys with varying melting points, acts as a heat absorption barrier, akin to an ice cube maintaining its temperature until melting. This technology has proven instrumental in controlling air temperature within the drum and preventing heat transfer.
Teams like Mercedes and Red Bull, along with Ferrari and other competitors, are evaluating the swift implementation of this system for future races, possibly introducing an upgraded version by the Spanish or Canadian Grand Prix to enhance performance at circuits where brake performance is critical. The race for technological advancements in F1 continues as teams strive to match McLaren’s innovative solutions for optimal on-track success.
