Ferrari Accelerates Fix for Brake Issues After Hamilton's Singapore Failure, Ahead of 'Critical' Mexico GP

Ferrari is intensifying its efforts to resolve systemic brake issues following Lewis Hamilton's failure at the Singapore Grand Prix, a critical priority as the high-altitude Mexico City GP approaches. The team is aiming to ensure robust system predictability to prevent similar incidents, especially in challenging cooling conditions.

Why it matters:

After years of struggling to mount a consistent title challenge, Ferrari's pursuit of a breakthrough engine could dramatically reshape the competitive landscape of F1. A powerful yet reliable power unit is crucial for a team aiming to challenge the established frontrunners and return to championship contention, a position they haven't held consistently since 2018.

The details:

• Singapore Incident: Lewis Hamilton, running seventh, was pitted a second time for soft tires to chase Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes. Just as he caught Antonelli, his front-left brake failed. Teammate Charles Leclerc spent most of the race in 'LiCo' (lift and coast) mode to protect his brakes.
• Consequences: Post-failure, Hamilton was rapidly overtaken by Fernando Alonso, who cut a 42.6-second lead in three laps. Hamilton finished eighth after a five-second penalty for corner-cutting.
• Season-Long Issue: The need for 'lift and coast' has been a recurring theme for Ferrari throughout the season.
• Mexico City Challenge: The upcoming Mexico City GP, at 2,240 meters above sea level, presents significant cooling challenges due to lower air density, impacting both brakes and engines. This altitude demands extreme measures from all F1 teams to prevent overheating.
• Ferrari's Response: Ferrari has initiated an accelerated search at Maranello to enhance system robustness and predict potential failures like Hamilton's.
• Team's Acknowledgment: Matteo Togninalli, Head of Track Engineering, admitted that Ferrari's approach in Singapore was "a bit too aggressive," leading to the brake failure. He emphasized the need to improve prediction tools to avoid being "short by four laps."

What's next:

Ferrari is reviewing its data and methods to improve its ability to predict race finishes regarding fuel, tires, and brakes. The team sees the Singapore incident as a critical learning experience, especially with the high-altitude Mexico GP on the horizon. They aim to be more conscious and prepared in Mexico, demonstrating a reasonable and adaptive approach to their challenges.