Brembo discusses braking differences between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton

Brake manufacturer Brembo has revealed the differences between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton's braking preferences.

The former team mates often display differing public personas, and according to the Italian company, the pair have vastly different driving styles too.

"The three-time world champion [Hamilton] likes his single-seater to focus entirely on the front axle. Even in recent years, Hamilton confirmed his inclination towards aggressive braking, with his decisively more incisive approach compared to that of Nico Rosberg," Brembo said. "The Englishman often prolongs the first part of the braking when entering a curve, extending beyond the grip of the tyres.

"The only limit Hamilton knows, according to the Brembo engineers who have worked with him, is the use of brake heat," the company added. "In this type of driving, which always goes far beyond physical limits, the drivers run the risk of locking the front wheels."

Alonso on the other hand takes a more measured approach to his braking, but still drives close to the limit.

"[Fernando Alonso] is less spectacular because he brakes slightly sooner than his rival, favouring a cleaner braking technique," said Brembo. "The two-time world champion usually gets very close to the limit in a wide range of grip conditions, but does not exceed it."

"His level of sensitivity in wet conditions is incredible. According to Brembo technicians, who knew him when he ran with Minardi then met up again with him when he joined Ferrari, Alonso has a kind of natural ABS."

"In essence, he fully exploits tyre grip and makes full use of his explosive physical strength: he applies massive force on the pedal and has impressive response times. This allows him to achieve greater speeds in the turns, without running the risk of locking the wheels."