The Dutch Grand Prix will feature some minor changes to the sporting rules after the FIA decided to implement a few regulatory updates. These changes aim to clarify certain areas, including braking system standards. The key update addresses a potential loophole by banning asymmetric braking. This strategy might have been used to improve handling and reduce understeer.

What is asymmetric breaking?

Asymmetric braking in Formula 1 refers to a technique where the braking force applied to the wheels is intentionally uneven, with different amounts of braking force distributed between the left and right sides of the car. This is typically done to optimize performance through corners, especially on circuits with a majority of turns in one direction, which can benefit from differing braking demands on each side of the vehicle. Prime examples of these circuits are Circuit de Monaco, Hungaroring, or Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, where Formula 1 is set to race at the end of September.

There have been some controversial speculatios if some teams have used this system throughout the season. Some sources were suggesting Red Bull in Australia, McLaren in Hungary, or Mercedes in Belgium, might have used it, but there is no evidence to prove this.

Although it wasn’t officially confirmed if any teams have used this strategy, the rule now prevents it from being used in the future.