The wider tyres and higher downforce of 2017 has increased wheel torque by approximately 20% – so how has this effected the brake by wire systems"

1. Brake by Wire Explained
2. 2017 Regulations
3. 2017 Brake Discs
4. 2017 Brake Calipers
5. 2017 Brake Pads

1. Brake by Wire Explained
Formula 1?s famous brake by wire systems were introduced together with the revolutionary 1.6L V6 turbo powertrains back in 2014. These rule changes allow the recovery of 2MJ of energy per lap through the rear brakes, with a total of 4MJ of energy per lap transferred from the Energy Store to the drivetrain during acceleration; equating to around 160bhp for 33 seconds each lap.

To achieve this, the braking system has two hydraulic circuits, with a separate master cylinder for the front brakes, and another for the rear. The front brakes operate conventionally; where the driver pushes the pedal with a force of 160Kg, applying pressure to the fluid in the Master cylinder. This fluid is used to actuate the 6 pistons within the front caliper?s which clamps the brake pads to the carbon disc; reducing the speed of the wheels through friction. The rear brakes however, have an additional master cylinder which is electronically controlled. Therefore, during braking, fluid is moved through the rear master cylinder as normal, however the MGU-K then determines the amount of pressure applied to the rear caliper?s. In this way, the energy from the rear brakes is recovered, but once the 2MJ limit ha...