Miami Grand Prix: two DRS zones shortened

The circuit hosting the Miami Grand Prix this weekend has three distinct DRS zones, each located on the longest sections of the track.

After its inaugural race last May, the circuit will see each of the three detection points remain in the same location – the first one at the exit of turn 8, the second one at the exit of turn 16 on the longest straight line of the circuit, and the last one at the exit of turn 17.

However, both the first and second activation zones have been moved 75 meters further down the straight line than in 2022, thus reducing the overall length of the DRS zones in both cases. The third and final DRS zone, which runs along the pit straight, remains unchanged.

This is the second consecutive time that the FIA is reducing the DRS zones, following a similar decision during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend.

While the Baku race saw overtakes predominantly in the longest DRS zone both in the sprint race and the Grand Prix, there were no overtakes in the top 8 during the last 31 laps.

This modification goes against what the drivers had stated last week, especially Sergio Perez who declared after the race that he did not agree with the decision to reduce the DRS zone.

“I have the impression that these cars generate a bit more downforce, and by generating a bit more downforce, the car behind struggles a bit more to keep up,” explained Perez. “So, in my opinion, shortening the DRS wasn’t the right thing to do because it becomes even harder to overtake than last year already, so it’s something we should reconsider.”

A statement may not be completely disinterested, considering the power of the DRS equipped on the RB19.