Drag reduction system (DRS) - explained

The DRS or Drag Reduction system was introduced to help drivers overtake better. The main agenda behind it was to make races more competitive and exciting. It was introduced in 2011.

The DRS allows a driver, who is about to overtake another driver to open a gap in the rear wing which removes the drag produced by the rear wing. This makes the car go significantly faster with lesser downforce. The DRS is activated manually by a driver.

Red Bull Racing RB8 rear wing with DRS open

DRS- A distinct advantage

Formula 1 cars are generally closely matched with respect to their performance and this is where the DRS system becomes the hero. When the DRS system is activated, it is estimated that it gives the overtaking driver a speed advantage of around 10-12 kmph and on closing the flap at the end of the DRS activation zone, it gives the driver better downforce and hence better cornering.

The system is activated by the driver using a button on the steering wheel. This instantly lifts a section of the rear wing, allowing airflow to move through it and reducing the car's coefficient of drag. This is obviously more useful on the straights as the grip is reduced when the flaps in the rear wing are opened.

DRS Activation zone

To make the DRS effective, the rule dictates that if two drivers are within a second of each other, only the second one gets to use the DRS . The driver in the lead gets nothing and has to defend his place on his own with no assistance. The DRS stays active till the driver who used it hits the brake.

Now if there are three cars and all three within a second’s distance of each other then, the driver at the end of the pack can use DRS to overtake the driver in second, but the driver in second can also use DRS to overtake the car ahead of him. Such a scenario will lead to some entertainment.

Drivers can use DRS in the dry at any time during practice and qualifying. During the race, DRS can only be used in designated Activation Zones, of which there are one or two per circuit.

DRS can make the races unpredictable, but still the system has drawn some criticism as it tests the driver’s skill to a smaller level.

Use of DRS

Rules for using DRS

• The system cannot be activated during the first two laps of the race.
• The overtaking car must be at a maximum of a second’s distance from the car in front.
• The overtaking car must be in an overtaking zone or the DRS zone as defined by the FIA before the race.
• The system cannot be used until two laps after a restart or safety car usage.
• The system cannot be used by the driver in front unless he is also within a second’s distance from another car.
• The system may not be enabled if the racing conditions are deemed dangerous by the race director.