Mercedes positive Hamilton’s German GP brake failure was one-off

Sport360 staff 13:04 24/08/2014
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  • Costly crash: Lewis Hamilton crashed during the qualifying session ahead of the German Grand Prix.

    The cause of Lewis Hamilton's brake-disc failure in qualifying at last month's German Grand Prix has finally been identified after extensive analysis, with the supplier concerned confident there will be no repeat.

    In the opening session at Hockenheim on July 19, Hamilton's Mercedes was pitched into a tyre barrier with a 30g impact after the right-front disc failed on approach to the Sachskurve.

    Hamilton was left in pain, particularly in his knees, ankles and lower back, but despite starting 20th still went on to collect a third-place finish.

    Over a month later, and following co-operation between Mercedes and brake supplier Brembo, the manufacturer is convinced it has eradicated the problem to avoid any recurrence of what happened to Hamilton in Germany.

    A joint statement read: "Following extensive joint analysis of the previously unseen failure mode experienced by Lewis Hamilton during Q1 at the German Grand Prix, Brembo and Mercedes have reached definitive conclusions concerning the cause of the failure.

    "First of all, both parties can now confirm the quality of the disc material was not a contributory factor.

    "Instead, extensive analysis and experimentation has demonstrated the specific interaction between the structure of the brake material in question and the brake mounting on the F1 W05 Hybrid was at the root of the failure.

    "Countermeasures have already been applied to both the disc geometry and the mounting to ensure there can be no repeat of the failure.

    "These developments allow the team to again run Brembo brake disc material, should it choose to do so, in race conditions.

    "Thanks to the close technical relationship between Brembo and Mercedes we have been able to collaborate to objectively analyse, diagnose and resolve the failure, and we remain committed to a close-working relationship in the future."

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