Formula 1 braking

[pcbrakeinc.com]

The Formula 1 race car decelerations from 100 km/h in 17 meters are stated as close to 5.4g. The decel is calculated by velocity/time = (100)/[(3.6)(1.4)] = 19.84 m/secsec or 19.84/9.81 = 2.02 g. How was the 5.4g determined?

Thanks,

Rudy Limpert

[raymondu999]

5.4g would be peak deceleration. When it is traveling faster, you have more drag to slow you down; and more downforce to allow you to brake more.

[munks]

Yup, and I think that 5.4g peak deceleration would only happen at speeds much higher than 100kph.

[Callum]

The acceleration you have calculated is the average acceleration.