Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton transitioned from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season, facing challenges adapting not only to the new team environment but also to the different braking system. Hamilton’s difficulties controlling Ferrari’s brakes have prompted the team’s brake supplier to respond to his concerns and outline ongoing efforts to improve his comfort with the system.
Contrasting Brake Systems Between Mercedes and Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton spent over a decade driving for Mercedes, where he became accustomed to a unique braking setup that included Carbone Industrie brake discs, unlike most teams on the grid. Ferrari, however, uses Brembo brakes, marking a significant change in Hamilton’s driving dynamics. This difference appears to be a key factor in the struggles Hamilton has faced when trying to adapt his driving style to the Ferrari car.
Hamilton is well known for his late and aggressive braking technique, which contributed to his success across multiple championship-winning seasons. His style involves applying strong initial brake pressure before gradually releasing it as he maneuvers through a corner. The Mercedes car’s Carbone Industrie discs provided the sharp initial bite at high temperatures which Hamilton relied on, while Brembo’s discs offer a more gradual braking feel over a broader temperature range. This subtle variation could be affecting Hamilton’s ability to maximize performance with the Ferrari.
Brembo’s Response to Hamilton’s Brake Difficulties
Andrea Algeri, Brembo’s Formula 1 Customer Manager, acknowledged Hamilton’s complaints and revealed that the supplier is actively working to improve the situation. Algeri expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the driver but also recognized the challenges involved due to the differences in braking materials and car setup.
“It was very exciting to start to work with Lewis. Obviously, we had some complaints from him within our regular communication and so on, and we are working hard to try to put him in a comfort zone in terms of braking.” —Andrea Algeri, Brembo F1 Customer Manager
“We know he was used to a different material first, but also a different set-up in terms of general braking of the car that are not only the brakes themselves, but also engine braking, energy recovery and so on. So we have been pushing a lot from the team, and we are working hard to try to solve the situation and to have the best result from him,” added Algeri
These remarks highlight the complex interaction between the brake components and the broader vehicle systems Hamilton must adjust to. Brembo is collaborating closely with Ferrari and Hamilton to refine the brakes and bring the driver into a comfortable zone where he can extract optimal performance.
Hamilton Explains Variations in Braking Characteristics at Ferrari
Following the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this year, Hamilton elaborated on how braking with Ferrari differs significantly from his experience at Mercedes. He emphasized the role of engine braking, differential settings, and brake bias in shaping the car’s handling during corner entry and exit. According to Hamilton, he had not relied heavily on engine braking during his twelve years at Mercedes but now finds it a substantial part of Ferrari’s braking strategy.
“I never used engine braking before. In the past 12 years, we never used engine braking but here we use a lot of engine braking to turn the car. We have different brakes. The brakes are so much different to what I had in the past and the car moves around a little bit more.” —Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver
This adjustment has evidently contributed to Hamilton’s ongoing adaptation process, as the nuances of the Ferrari brake system and car dynamics require a new approach to driving compared to the Mercedes setup he mastered over many years.
Recent Car Updates and Their Impact on Hamilton’s Performance
The challenges extended into the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, where Ferrari introduced an updated rear suspension and brake system. These changes proved difficult for Hamilton, who experienced a rear wheel lock-up during the final lap of qualifying and subsequently spun at the Bus Stop chicane at Spa Francorchamps. This incident underscored the level of adaptation still needed for Hamilton to fully harness the revised brake package and car balance.
Such technical updates are an essential part of a Formula 1 season as teams seek competitive gains, but for drivers adapting to new team environments or equipment, the transition period can be particularly demanding.
Importance of Brake Adaptation for Hamilton’s Competitiveness
Lewis Hamilton’s brake challenges at Ferrari highlight the critical role that braking systems play in Formula 1 performance. The relationship between driver style and equipment compatibility is vital; even minor technical differences can have large effects on lap times and overall race results. Brembo and Ferrari’s ongoing efforts to tailor the brake system to Hamilton’s preferences aim to restore the driver’s confidence and competitiveness as the season progresses.
As the team works to resolve these issues, Hamilton’s ability to adjust to new brake characteristics will be a key factor in his success with Ferrari. Continued collaboration between the driver, Ferrari engineers, and Brembo will likely drive improvements that help Hamilton regain the braking control he was known for during his championship-winning years at Mercedes.
