Brake testing

Brake testing is when a race car driver intentionally hits the brakes while driving in front of another car that's following closely behind, forcing the trailing driver to suddenly brake or swerve to avoid a collision.

This maneuver is also commonly called a "brake check" in motorsport. When a driver brake tests someone, they're not slowing down because they need to for a corner or because of track conditions. Instead, they're deliberately trying to catch the driver behind them off guard by braking unexpectedly.

Brake testing happens when two cars are running close together, often with just a few feet or meters separating them. The lead driver will either tap their brakes quickly or press them harder than the following driver expects. This sudden deceleration creates a dangerous situation where the trailing driver has very little time to react.

Drivers engage in brake testing for several reasons. Sometimes it's done as retaliation after an earlier incident during the race, like being bumped or forced off the track. Other times, a driver might use it as an aggressive defensive tactic to discourage another competitor from following too closely or attempting an overtaking move. In some cases, drivers brake test to try to create more space between themselves and a pursuing car.

The practice is extremely dangerous and is considered unsportsmanlike conduct in virtually all forms of motorsport. When cars are traveling at high speeds, even a fraction of a second delay in reaction time can result in a serious crash. The consequences can include damage to both vehicles, injuries to drivers, and disruption of the entire race.

Famous examples of brake testing include the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen brake checked Lewis Hamilton during a confusing sequence where Verstappen was attempting to give position back to Hamilton. The incident resulted in contact between the cars and a penalty for Verstappen. In NASCAR history, Robby Gordon notably brake-checked Michael Waltrip in 2006 as payback for an earlier collision.

Racing officials take brake testing very seriously. Drivers caught performing this maneuver typically face penalties that can include time penalties added to their race results, fines, grid position penalties for future races, or even disqualification from the event. Stewards review telemetry data and onboard camera footage to determine if a driver brake tested another competitor.

Beyond the racetrack, brake checking on public roads is illegal in most jurisdictions and can be prosecuted as reckless driving, aggressive driving, or dangerous driving. The same principles that make it dangerous in racing apply to everyday traffic, where intentionally causing a following vehicle to brake suddenly creates unnecessary risk for everyone on the road.