DRS: “Game of cat and mouse” for Christian Horner
Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc engaged in a memorable duel in Jeddah on March 27th, constantly overtaking each other at the DRS detection zone. However, Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull, believes that the DRS detection line should be reviewed.
Throughout the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last Sunday, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and his Red Bull rival Max Verstappen battled for the lead. At every DRS zone, the latter would take back the lead. In doing so, the Monegasque purposely braked earlier in the last corner, in order to be in a position to reclaim the lead on the next straight. However, Verstappen quickly understood the trick and took control, eventually winning the Grand Prix.
If this duel offered a great show, some are questioning the sporting interest that this tactic represents. Christian Horner, team principal of Red Bull, believes that the position of the DRS lines should be reviewed.
“The DRS was so powerful that you could see a game of cat and mouse between the drivers, either they would brake at a point or they would accelerate in the turn,” explained Horner. “I think we should review the detection line for the DRS zone in the years to come. You definitely want to avoid finding yourself in this situation.”
« I think that what is really encouraging with these new rules is that in the last two races we saw Max and Charles overtake each other about ten times, we did not see that in previous seasons » he continued. « It’s excellent, yet another fantastic race between the two teams. Based on this small sample, you have to admit that it’s a big tick for the possibility of close racing and wheel-to-wheel action. It was exceptional » Christian Horner concluded.
