DRS is a movable flap integrated into the rear wing that can open to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Comparison of F1 rear wing closed vs open (DRS active) showing drag reduction

DRS Rear Wing Anatomy

An F1 rear wing consists of two main elements:

Main Plane: The lower, fixed part generates base downforce.

DRS Flap: The upper, movable part that can pivot to reduce angle of attack.

Opening Mechanism

Aerodynamic Effect

In numbers:

• Speed gain: 10-15 km/h
• Downforce loss: 15-20%
• Opening time: ~0.3 seconds
• Braking distance: extended by 2-5 metres

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DRS cannot be used freely. The FIA imposes strict rules on when and where it can be activated.

The Detection Zone

This is the virtual line on the track where the gap between two cars is measured.

Fundamental rule: To activate DRS, a driver must be within one second of the car ahead when passing the detection zone.

The Activation Zone

This is the portion of the circuit where DRS can actually be opened.

Characteristics:

• Located after the detection zone
• Always on a straight
• Variable length depending on circuits (200-700 m)
• Start marked by a DRS board

Typical DRS Zone Diagram

[Detection zone] -----> [Activation line] -----> [End of zone]
     │                           │                          │
     │ Gap measured              │ DRS activatable          │
     │ (< 1 second?)             │ if authorised            │

When DRS is Disabled

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Each circuit has between 1 and 3 DRS zones, positioned to maximise overtaking opportunities.

Configuration Examples

The Monaco Case

Monaco is the circuit where DRS is least effective:

• Only one DRS zone
• Very short straight
• Not enough distance to overtake
• Track position remains paramount

The Monza Case

Opposite to Monaco, Monza is DRS paradise:

• Two long DRS zones
• Top speeds > 350 km/h
• Many DRS-assisted overtakes
• Slipstream + DRS = deadly combination

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DRS was designed to facilitate overtaking. Mission accomplished?

Effectiveness Statistics

Types of Overtakes

"Natural" overtake: The driver gains position through pace and talent, without DRS.

DRS overtake: The DRS speed gain allows overtaking a defending car.

"DRS easy" overtake: DRS makes the overtake so easy there's no fight.

The "Highway Pass" Criticism

Purists criticise DRS for creating "too easy" overtakes:

• The driver ahead cannot defend
• Spectator anticipation is reduced
• Wheel-to-wheel duels are less frequent

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DRS isn't just an overtaking tool; it's a strategic element.

DRS Train: The Phenomenon

When several cars follow within one second, all have DRS access:

1. Car A leads
2. Car B is 0.8s behind A → DRS activated
3. Car C is 0.7s behind B → DRS activated
4. And so on...

Result: Cars catch up but don't overtake, as all benefit from the same advantage.

Defensive Management

Drivers adapt their defensive behaviour:

Strategic Attack

Attacking drivers can:

• Use slipstream BEFORE DRS zone to close up
• Activate DRS and pass on the clean side
• Feint inside then pass outside

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DRS has divided the F1 community since its introduction.

Arguments For DRS

Arguments Against DRS

Notable Incidents

Baku 2017: Lance Stroll hits Sebastian Vettel at high speed after DRS mismanagement.

Monza 2019: Charles Leclerc controversially uses DRS to defend against Lewis Hamilton.

Interlagos 2021: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton battle with intense DRS use in the final laps.

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The 2026 regulations spell the end of traditional DRS in favour of a more sophisticated system.

Why Replace DRS?

The new aerodynamic regulations change the philosophy:

• Enhanced ground effect = less dirty air
• Lighter, more agile cars
• Objective: more natural overtaking

The Active Wing System

In 2026, both front AND rear wings will be fully movable:

Z-Mode (High Downforce):

• Wings in maximum downforce position
• Used in corners
• Equivalent to "closed DRS" but more extreme

X-Mode (Low Drag):

• Nearly flat wings
• Used on straights
• Greater drag reduction than current DRS

Differences from DRS

Overtake Mode

The true DRS successor is called Overtake Mode:

• Combines active aero + electric boost
• Available if within one second
• Driver ahead can also use it (defence)
• Creates tactical duels

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Can DRS open by itself?

No, DRS only opens if the driver presses the dedicated steering wheel button AND if regulatory conditions are met (within one second, in activation zone, race underway). The car's system automatically checks these conditions before authorising opening.

What happens if DRS gets stuck open?

This is a dangerous situation. The driver loses 15-20% downforce, considerably extending braking distances. If stuck, the procedure is to retire immediately. Return springs are supposed to close DRS if the hydraulic system fails.

Why is DRS banned in rain?

In rain, cars already have much less grip. Reducing downforce by an additional 20% with DRS would make cars nearly uncontrollable, especially under braking. Race Control therefore disables DRS when conditions are deemed too wet.

Can a driver use DRS to defend position?

No, the one-second rule only applies to the following driver. The leading driver has no DRS access to the car ahead (unless there's another car further ahead). It's an intentionally asymmetric advantage to promote overtaking.

How many DRS zones can a circuit have?

There's no fixed limit, but F1 circuits generally have between 1 and 3 DRS zones. The number depends on circuit configuration and the FIA's objective: create overtaking opportunities without making manoeuvres too easy. Circuits with few straights (Monaco) have few zones, those with many (Bahrain) have more.

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DRS has transformed Formula 1 for 15 years by increasing spectacle and overtaking. Its successor, active aerodynamics, promises to go even further. To understand how these systems interact with the rest of the car, discover our features on ground effect and F1 tyres.