What is DRS in Formula 1?

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What is DRS?

DRS, also known as the Drag Reduction System, is a driver-controlled element of a Formula 1 car that assists in overtaking and increasing close wheel-to-wheel racing in the sport. It was introduced to the sport back in 2011 and has contributed to much of the closer racing we’re able to see today. To put it simply, it is an adjustable rear wing which moves at the driver's command. The drivers are able to open the rear wing flap to help reduce drag levels and maximize their top speed.

There are some limitations to using DRS, such as the drivers have to be within 1 second of the car in front of them to activate it, and that they can only use DRS in the allocated ‘zones’ of each circuit. Now that we know what the Drag Reduction System is, let’s find how DRS works, when drivers can use it and why it can sometimes be a controversial aspect of Formula 1.

How Does DRS Work?

As we’ve covered, DRS is essentially a moving piece of bodywork on the Formula 1 car that allows drivers to reach speeds that are 10-12 km/h faster than their normal pace. The moving rear wing flap of the car opens horizontally, which helps to reduce the aerodynamic drag and can make wheel-to-wheel racing much closer and the overtaking of competitors easier.

Drag Reduction System Formula 1 — Formula 1 Drag Reduction System

The DRS flap is controlled by a button on the driver’s steering wheel that they can push when they enter the allocated DRS zones of each track. That’s right, the drivers can’t just use DRS whenever they want. Each track has DRS ‘Activation’ Zones, which are the only areas on the track where they can use the drag reduction system. The Albert Park Circuit has the most DRS zones of all the circuits, taking the top spot with four zones, while the Monaco Circuit has the least amount of DRS zones with only one available.

This is important because during a race, drivers can deploy the DRS function, but it can ONLY be used when they’re in the allocated zones. Another limitation is that they have to be within one second of the driver in front of them. This becomes a very common conversation topic during the races as it can be challenging for the drivers to get in the one second range and stay in it long enough for them to reach the DRS activation zones.

One thing to note is that the one second rule is only applicable during a Grand Prix or Sprint race. Drivers are allowed to use DRS during practice and qualifying whenever they need to, but they can only activate it when they are within the DRS zones.

In this video of Sergio Perez overtaking Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, you can see the rear wing on the Red Bull open and close, allowing the Mexican to get closer to his rivals. Although he didn’t make the overtake stick, it is a clear visual of how the rear wing works and how it can advantage the drivers using it.

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Usually drivers will be made aware that they can use DRS because dash lights will flash at them on their steering wheel. Besides the visual cue, the race engineers will also let them know on the radio when they are within the one second range, when they are reaching the DRS zone, and whether or not a rival driver is utilizing DRS to overtake them from behind.

DRS is definitely a fair weather tactic, as the FIA or race control can decide that it can’t be used during rougher weather conditions like rain. DRS also cannot be used on the first two laps of a race or during standing or rolling restarts after a safety car or red flag. Yellow flags in certain sectors can also deactivate DRS temporarily if race control needs to clear a car going off track or debris at any point.

What is a DRS train?

A common term we heard a lot during the 2023 and 2024 race seasons was ‘DRS train’. This happens when there are up to three drivers fighting for a position and they are all in close proximity to each other. Attacking drivers can only activate DRS when they are within one second of the driver in front of them, but that also goes for defending drivers.

Defending drivers are only allowed to activate DRS if they are also within one second of the car in front, which then results in the ‘DRS train’ as it essentially neutralizes the DRS advantage. Sometimes the ‘DRS train’ can go on for numerous laps as the drivers get stuck in a cycle where they aren’t able to get past their opponents and really maximize the effects of the Drag Reduction System.

Other series that also use DRS

The Drag Reduction System is also seen within Formula 2 and Formula 3. It was first introduced to Formula 3 back in 2017 and they had very different regulations around it. Drivers were only allowed to activate DRS on a maximum of six laps per feature race and four laps for the sprint races. Now, the DRS rules are aligned with the Formula 1 regulations and they are consistent across F1, F2, and F3.

Many other series have different overtaking advantages, but they usually involve boosting the engine performance for a select amount of time. IndyCar has a ‘push-to-pass’ system and Super Formula uses something called the Overtake System. Formula E has ‘attack mode’ which allows the drivers to run a more powerful energy deployment for a temporary amount of time. The total amount of time for this varies based on the track, just like how the DRS zones vary in Formula 1.

There will be many changes made to Formula 1 and the F1 cars in 2026, and DRS is one of those changes. Formula 1 has announced that they will be getting rid of the Drag Reduction System for the 2026 season. They will be placing it with a push-to-pass style boost that is more of a manual override.