DRS: how the Drag Reduction System has changed F1 racing

It has given us more action, more overtaking and more chances to change the race with strategy. DRS, the Drag Reduction System, can help F1 drivers get in position for a race-winning overtake. Why was it introduced? How does it work? What's the best way to use it?

F1 Explains with the help of three experts, who tell Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne all about this fascinating subject:

• McLaren Aerodynamics Specialist Emel Cankaya works on designing DRS systems. She explains the physics of DRS, why it makes cars go faster and the rules on DRS design

• Alfa Romeo's Head of Race Strategy Ruth Buscombe studied DRS at university. She tells us how DRS is controlled and how it has changed F1 racing for strategists

• Former Renault F1 racer Jolyon Palmer puts us in the cockpit to explain DRS driving and overtaking

Write, record and send your F1 question to [email protected] and we will answer it in a future episode.

F1 Explains tackles a different F1 topic every week. Check out our previous episodes using the links below:

• Tyres • - an engineer, a driver and a designer explains why they matter

• The 2024 F1 calendar • - why it helps make F1 more sustainable

• Wind Tunnels • - the top secret tools where cars are created

• Race engineers • - the voices on F1 Team Radio

• Pit stops • - two seconds of total teamwork

• Simulators • with Aston Martin's Stoffel Vandoorne

• Racing in the rain • with Mika Hakkinen + Haas race engineer Mark Slade

• Street circuits • with Mika Hakkinen + Bernie Collins

• F1 driver fitness • with Alexander Rossi + Sebastian Vettel's former trainer

• F1 in the USA • - why the US has 3 races in 2023

• F1 Sprint weekends • with Haas driver Kevin Magnussen

For in-depth interviews with F1's biggest names, listen to F1 Beyond The Grid. For race previews and reviews, head over to F1 Nation.

Release date

Lydbog: 1. september 2023