DRS in F1 explained: What it is, and how it can help overtaking
DRS in F1 explained: What it is, and how it can help overtaking
The Drag Reduction System (DRS) has been a huge part of F1 since being introduced in 2011 as a way to increase overtaking.
F1 cars are notorious for pumping out huge plumes of disturbed air in their wake, something that makes it inherently difficult for drivers to follow and get into a position to make a pass.
In a bid to up the entertainment and boost overtaking – and after a failed initial attempt at allowing drivers to alter their front wing angle during a race – DRS was introduced!
So what is DRS in F1?
Okay, time to explain exactly what it is and what it does - should help when you hear it mentioned during Sunday's Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in Jeddah.
DRS is a device fixed to the upper element of the rear wing of F1 cars.
The usage of this has varied through the years but the current regulations allow drivers to activate the system in designated zones at any time during practice and race sessions.
When in these zones, the driver can lift the rear wing flap to reduce drag and increase their top speed in order to achieve an improved lap time.
During the race, DRS can only be activated if a driver follows a rival through the preceding detection zone with a margin of less than one second.
When can an F1 driver use DRS?
As mentioned, drivers can only use DRS during a race when they are less than a second behind the preceding driver while, in other sessions, it can be used at any time.
The exception to this comes when yellow flags, a virtual safety car or a full safety car are deployed. At these times, the use of the system is prohibited.
This is also the case when red flags are shown.
The number of DRS zones at tracks also varies from one to four, with Monaco featuring just one DRS region and Albert Park in Australia, four.
How is DRS activated?
DRS is activated by the press of a button on the steering wheel. The system is only armed when a driver breaks a detection zone within one second of the preceding car.
How much faster is an F1 car with DRS activated?
There is no exact answer to this but, on average, the top speed of a car increases by around 6.2-7.5mph.
Is there a limit on how often drivers can use DRS?
No, there is not. So long as a driver has met the requirements to activate the system, they could use it in every zone and on every lap of the season.
Has DRS actually helped overtaking in F1?
Yes. In 2010, the last year without DRS, there were on average 23.8 overtakes per race. In 2011, this almost doubled to 43.2.
Overtaking has more recently also been aided by changes to the technical regulations, with numbers down on this early benchmark but still high at 35.6.
What is a ‘DRS train’ in F1
A DRS train is a sequence of cars that are all within DRS range of on another.
This has the unfortunate effect of negating the advantage of the system and can hinder overtaking.
It is most commonly seen in the midfield.
How many DRS zones are on an F1 circuit?
DRS zones are most commonly found on long straights or on low-radius corners.
This limits the positions that DRS zones can be placed with Monaco suffering most as it is limited to just one zone.
The Australian Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne does well in this regard and has added a fourth zone for 2023.
READ MORE: F1 is for everyone – stop gatekeeping and make room for all
Related news
F1 cannot wait for 'Hollywood politics' claims Sky Sports pundit
Superstar rapper partners with F1 in surprise venture
Brundle demands drastic F1 change with drivers divided
F1 skid blocks explained: Why were Hamilton and Leclerc disqualified from United States GP?
Most read
FIA take action after Verstappen track limits mishap
F1 News Today: FIA make changes as Mercedes receive double penalty and Horner curses bad luck
Red Bull to replace driver at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Stroll issues Alonso Aston Martin contract verdict
Horner takes aim at Kravitz with savage jibe at Sky Sports pundit
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Nyck De Vries
- Liam Lawson
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of Australia 2023
- Grand Prix of China 2023
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
- Miami Grand Prix 2023
- Qatar Airways Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
- AWS Gran Premio de España 2023
- Grand Prix du Canada 2023
- Grand Prix of Austria 2023
- Aramco Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of Italy 2023
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
- Grand Prix of Japan 2023
- Qatar Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of the United States 2023
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
- Rolex Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2023
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860