Ferrari’s latest F1 braking experiments

In addition, however, it also had an asymmetrical layout with regard to the drum design in order to meet the different challenges of the Interlagos racetrack.

On the right-hand side of the vehicle, the team opted for the open basket configuration, with the open windows above the pane in Mexico (insert) being painted again.

Meanwhile, a closed drum was preferred on the left side of the cart. This tapers more at the outer end and has a handful of fins to control the movement of the airflow as it is pushed out of the rim.

It can be clearly seen that these two brake assemblies offer something different when it comes to how the airflow flows through them.

The option on the right offers more aerodynamic advantages as the airflow is diverted from the wheel surface.

In contrast, the left-hand side assembly is more focused on temperature control, as it is more of a barrier to the rim and therefore gives off less heat to the tire.

Red Bull Racing RB16B closed drum comparison

Photo by: Giorgio Piola

Red Bull also returned to its more traditional arrangement in Brazil after using a different configuration in Mexico.

The team in Mexico had used a shortened bypass panel that exposed the brake disc while another panel sat outside of it to control the direction of the airflow exiting through the rim.

In Brazil, the continuous bypass plate was used again, as the aerodynamic advantage was emphasized more, as cooling was much less of a priority than in Mexico.

In both cases, Red Bull treats the surface of the bypass panel with a thermal barrier paint to control heat transfer from one part of the assembly to the other.