Lock-up

Max Verstappen driving the (33) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB16 locks up during the 2020 F1 Grand Prix of Portugal at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve

Lock-up is a term used in Formula 1 to describe a braking manoeuvre that results in the tires losing traction and skidding on the surface of the track. The term "lock-up" refers to the locking of the wheels, which prevents them from rotating and causes the tire to slide instead.

There are different types of lock-ups, depending on the cause and severity of the skid. A front lock-up occurs when the front wheels of the car lose traction, and the car understeers, while a rear lock-up happens when the rear wheels lose traction, and the car oversteers.

Lock-ups are a common occurrence in Formula 1 races, and they can have significant consequences for the driver and the team. They can result in a loss of control, which can cause the car to spin out, or they can cause flat spots on the tires, which can affect the car's performance and require an unscheduled pit stop.

Teams and drivers can try to minimise the risk of lock-ups by adjusting the car's brake balance, which determines the amount of braking force applied to the front and rear wheels. They can also use different brake materials and cooling systems to manage the temperature of the brakes, which can affect their performance.

Lock-ups can also be used strategically during a race. For example, a driver may intentionally lock-up their brakes to slow down before a corner and gain an advantage over their opponent. However, this manoeuvre can be risky and requires precise timing and control.

A lock-up is a term used in Formula 1 to describe a braking manoeuvre that causes the tires to lose traction and skid on the track. It can have significant consequences for the driver and the team, but it can also be used strategically to gain an advantage during a race.