Brake testing

Brake testing is when a race car driver intentionally brakes earlier or harder than necessary while another driver is following closely behind them.

This dangerous practice happens when the leading driver suddenly slows down without warning, forcing the car behind to either brake hard to avoid a collision or take evasive action. The goal is usually to disrupt the following driver's rhythm, cause them to lose speed and momentum, or create enough chaos to maintain track position.

Brake testing is considered one of the most unsportsmanlike moves in racing. Unlike normal defensive driving, where drivers position their cars to block overtaking attempts, brake testing creates genuine safety hazards. The following driver has very little time to react when someone brake tests them, which can easily lead to rear-end crashes.

Racing officials take brake testing very seriously. They use telemetry data from the cars to see exactly when and how hard drivers pressed their brakes. This data helps stewards determine if a driver braked normally for a corner or intentionally slowed down to interfere with another competitor.

A common example of brake testing occurs when a driver is defending their position before a corner. Instead of braking at their normal braking point, they might brake much earlier to catch the following driver off guard. Another scenario happens on straightaways, where a driver might suddenly slow down to disrupt the car behind them.

Most racing series have rules against dangerous or erratic driving that cover brake testing incidents. Penalties can range from time penalties during the race to grid position drops for future races. In extreme cases, drivers might face suspension or other serious consequences.

While racing naturally involves close competition and defensive driving, brake testing crosses the line from fair competition into dangerous behavior that puts multiple drivers at risk.