How another F1 team is following the 'Verstappen effect'

Since the first race of the season in Bahrain, Red Bull Racing has been using a full brake package supplied by Italian brand Brembo. 

In 2023, the team was only using Brembo calipers, but world champion Max Verstappen was key in convincing the team to make a full-switch to Brembo by using the brake discs as well. 

At Imola, RacingNews365 discovered that Red Bull sister team RB had also made the change to the Bergamo-based company's brake discs - with confirmation ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix that Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda will be on Brembo brake discs for the rest of the season.

Previously, both teams in the Red Bull family used Carbon Industry brake discs. 

Whilst it is difficult to estimate the difference in quality between the brake discs from the two parties, a clear choice has been made by the Red Bull teams, with main factor when deciding what brakes to use being the feeling the driver has.

When the drivers have a better feeling with a particular brand of brake disc, a switch may be made by the team, and considering Red Bull Racing previously made the full switch and now RB, Verstappen's team certainly feels content with the decision made.

The Verstappen effect

Since Verstappen himself was key in making the switch, one can cautiously speak of a Verstappen effect, with other teams also undoubtedly taking note of the RB decision and evaluating their options.

The second team of Red Bull is now already the fifth team to opt for the complete Brembo brake system, which in addition to calipers also includes brake discs and pads. 

This should not be underestimated, especially considering the extremely close performance the cars are showing this season, with hundredths of a second proving key to starting positions on the grid.

This is why being able to count on elements, such as the brakes, that are not only reliable, but also perform extremely well throughout an entire race, and also in the extreme conditions during a flying lap during qualifying.

After Verstappen's choice at the beginning of this year, it will be interesting to see if the world champion's decision also has an effect on the choices of other teams and drivers.