Is DRS a good thing F1?

DRS-enabled passes are—for most—better than no passes at all. It stops a driver being held up for long periods of time behind a slower one. That’s arguably a good thing. And most importantly, it allows a faster car to close up on a rival and presents the opportunity for (what I call) a real overtaking move.

Why did F1 add DRS?

The DRS can only be used once a driver has closed to within a second of the car ahead at a specified ‘detection point’ on the circuit. The DRS was introduced in 2011 to make overtaking easier, and while some see it as an essential weapon in a driver’s arsenal, others believe it makes racing artificial.

Why do some F1 cars not have DRS?

But DRS was introduced because of the problems F1 had with overtaking due to the aerodynamically generated turbulence behind the cars. Therefore they only are allowed to use it for overtaking on certain straights.

Do F1 drivers activate DRS?

Use of DRS is restricted by the F1 rules; it is permitted only when both: The following car is within one second of the car to be overtaken, which may be a car being lapped. The FIA may alter this parameter, race by race.

Is DRS bad for F1?

Yes, DRS is needed. Otherwise it is too hard to pass in F1. Probably the worst problem is that the aerodynamic downforce effects are too helpful in cornering and the turbulent wake disrupts the aero of a car behind.

Can the race leader use DRS?

Drivers can only activate the DRS in designated parts of the track called ‘DRS Zones. Hence, the race leader cannot use DRS unless he is behind a few cars who are getting lapped in a DRS zone.

How do F1 drivers know if they can use DRS?

During the free practice sessions and qualifying, the drivers can use DRS as they wish. When the pursuing car is within one second of the car in front when both cars cross the detection point, this turns on a light on the dashboard and the driver can activate the DRS and try to overtake,” he explained.

Is DRS good or bad?

In many cases, the effects of DRS are too weak, and overtaking is difficult without much better tires or a much better engine or aero package. DRS adds a nice layer of complexity to the racing, and rewards drivers who take risks driving in the dirty air behind their competitors.

Why can’t you use DRS all the time?

The reason DRS is not available to use in all parts of the track is because the rear wing is there for a reason, and that is aerodynamics. This helps generate downforce that pins the car to the ground and keeps it from sliding or losing traction while cornering (when the lateral forces are acting on the car).

How much speed does DRS add?

In Formula 1 DRS opens a flap on the cars rear wing to reduce aerodynamic drag, and gives the trailing car in the turbulent air a speed advantage of 10-12km/h to make an overtaking move on the leading car who is in clean air.