11/10/2025 13:10
Brake problems have been a constant issue for Ferrari throughout
the current F1 season, but in Singapore, it was clear the problem
was at its most severe. During free practice on Friday, a thermal
imbalance became evident as the engineers noticed a substantial
difference in temperature between the right and left rear brakes.
This was an issue that already sprouted itself at the start of the
season and which, on the track that is the most demanding in terms
of brake temperature, manifested itself into an almighty headache
for Ferrari. It was therefore no coincidence that Leclerc, from lap
eight onwards, had to manage the same temperature imbalance between
the right and left rear brakes, performing frequent lift and coast
manoeuvres - much to the Monegasque driver's frustration. However,
despite Leclerc's efforts to mitigate the problem, the phenomenon
then spread to the front axle as well. It was already foreseeable
in the build-up to the race in Singapore that, due to the sequence
of braking and the few short straights useful for cooling, the
situation would be critical during the long grand prix. Leclerc
ended the race in sixth place and over 45 seconds down on
race-winner George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton limped home in
seventh (later dropped to eighth following a time penalty) after
his brakes gave way in the final laps. Something Ferrari opted not
to do in anticipation of the race around the Marina Bay Circuit was
to increase the brake venting capabilities. This method could have
been carried out when considering the recurring thermal imbalance
problems that have been present throughout the year. Instead, in an
attempt to mediate the SF-25's straight-line efficiency, a decision
was made that failed to capitalise on the level of thermal stress
that was applied to the brakes. Ferrari currently sit third in the
constructors' championship with six rounds remaining, and is yet to
win a grand prix this year.
