Drag reduction system

The use of DRS is an exception to the rule banning any moving parts whose primary purpose is to affect the aerodynamics of the car.

[4] In most higher-performance racing categories, the cars depend on the downforce produced by their aerodynamic bodywork to increase cornering speeds[5].

Two zones had originally been planned for every race with multiple long straights from Montreal onwards (depending on Montreal/Valencia success), but this was not implemented.

When usage of the DRS remained legal for the 2012 season, a second zone was added to the opening round's track in Melbourne.

In the 2022 season, a fourth zone was initially added for the track in Melbourne, after the circuit redevelopment, before being removed for safety reasons.

Sam Michael, sporting director of the McLaren team, believes that DRS in qualifying will be worth about half a second per lap.

The system's effectiveness was reviewed in 2011 to see if overtaking could be made easier, but not to the extent that driver skill is sidelined.

[17] Former Formula One and Team Penske IndyCar Series driver Juan Pablo Montoya described it as "like giving Picasso Photoshop".

[19] In 2018, then-Scuderia Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel stated that he preferred throwing bananas Mario Kart-style over the use of DRS,[20] arguing that it's "artificial".

[21] The McLaren P1 coupé is the first road car to have incorporated the F1-style rear wing Drag Reduction Systems.