Red Bull Tests New Brake Discs at Austin Circuit
The team installed updated Brembo components on the RB22 ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Motorsports
Live Poll
Do you believe F1 teams should prioritize building cars around a single driver's specific preferences?
Red Bull mechanics installed custom Brembo brake discs featuring a non-solid surface pattern on the RB22 during the Friday build-up at the Circuit of the Americas. The update is specifically designed to accommodate the braking style of four-time champion Max Verstappen.
Why it matters
The team is using this trial to refine performance characteristics and gather critical development data for future seasons. These improvements aim to provide a wider operating window for the car while informing technical planning for the 2027 regulations.
The new Brembo discs utilize a non-uniform surface pattern designed to improve consistency throughout the braking phase. This trial marks the primary mechanical upgrade brought by Red Bull to the Austin circuit this weekend.
The players
Red Bull
A global Formula 1 racing team headquartered in Milton Keynes that has dominated recent championship seasons.
Max Verstappen
A professional Formula 1 driver who has secured four world championship titles.
The details
Mechanics in the pit lane utilized screens to prevent photographers from viewing the installation of the new components. The technical adjustment is a targeted effort to refine the RB22 chassis without introducing other major vehicle upgrades.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Mechanics installed the new discs during the Friday build-up.
October 25, 2026: The United States Grand Prix weekend begins at the circuit.
Season Trajectory
This development trial signals Red Bull's strategic pivot toward testing components that address future mandates. By aligning their current setup with the 2027 Formula 1 technical regulations, the team is working to maintain a competitive advantage in anticipation of upcoming regulatory shifts.
The installation of these discs suggests a focused adjustment to the car's braking balance that could affect telemetry data throughout the practice sessions. Fans and analysts should monitor braking efficiency numbers during qualifying to see how the modification influences lap times in Austin.
The takeaway
Teams often use late-season race weekends to test experimental parts that provide foundational data for subsequent years. Implementing these changes during build-up days allows engineers to gather real-world track feedback while minimizing disruptions to standard race preparations.
Further reading
Stay updated on the latest developments from the track by visiting our Motorsports coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RacingNews365.
Live Poll
Do you believe F1 teams should prioritize building cars around a single driver's specific preferences?
