Braking into La Source: Verstappen and Hamilton compared on load transfer

At the La Source hairpin the cars go from 305 to 75 km/h downhill. Telemetry analysis of the combined braking phase shows how Verstappen manipulates hydraulic pressure to bring forward the RB22's rotation.

Muretto · Redazione tecnica25 July 2026·Spa-Francorchamps · Qualifica

The braking point The violent deceleration before the tightest hairpin at Spa

The braking point at La Source (Turn 1) is one of the most demanding on the calendar: the cars arrive at the line at 308 km/h downhill and have to decelerate to 76 km/h at the apex in just 85 metres of usable space.

Max Verstappen starts the braking phase 92 metres from the apex with a peak pedal pressure of 100%, releasing the brake quickly (trail-braking) to load the front axle and rotate the car towards the inside kerb.

Styles compared Verstappen against Hamilton: immediate traction against deep entry

Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes sets up a rounder line, hitting the brakes at 98 metres and holding a minimum speed at the apex of 79 km/h (three km/h more than Verstappen). The Dutchman, however, straightens the wheel 12 metres earlier, back to full throttle on exit to launch himself towards Eau Rouge.

On the following run up to Radillon, the Red Bull gains 84 thousandths thanks to the higher exit speed, more than offsetting the lower mid-corner speed.

Technical summary Squaring off the corner to maximise the run down to Eau Rouge

The telemetry at La Source demonstrates the strategic value of traction: in hairpins that feed onto long fast sections, sacrificing the apex to bring forward the throttle opening is the choice that the stopwatch rewards.