Charles Leclerc announced he will switch his brake disc supplier to Carbon Industrie for the upcoming Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix after crashing at the Monaco Grand Prix on June 5. Leclerc described his car as "borderline dangerous" after the incident, prompting the change [1, 2].
Ferrari made a team decision to split brake suppliers between their two cars, with Leclerc moving from Brembo to Carbon Industrie. Lewis Hamilton, who switched from Brembo to Carbon Industrie at the Japanese Grand Prix, has since finished runner-up in the last two races [1, 2].
Hamilton is currently second in the Formula 1 championship standings, 66 points behind Mercedes leader Kimi Antonelli, while Leclerc sits fourth, 15 points behind Hamilton [1, 2]. Leclerc said, "I think it's clear now that we are probably going to change a little bit the configuration... The last two weekends have been more difficult than what I initially anticipated. Now we're going in the direction of Lewis" [2].
Hamilton acknowledged the brake switch helped with his car setup. He said, "I changed my brakes in Japan... Both of us tested the option that I'm racing, and Charles didn't want it in the end. He chose the one of his own, and now he's changed his mind" [1].
Brembo responded with surprise to Leclerc's comments, noting they have supplied Ferrari's brake systems for over 50 years [1, 2]. Brent Gary Anderson, former F1 designer, said Brembo’s brakes suit Leclerc’s driving style better, while Carbon Industrie suits Hamilton’s style [1].
The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix will be a key test of how Leclerc adapts to the new brake setup after his difficult finish in Monaco.