Melbourne will have 4 DRS zones and new features

The Albert Park circuit has not been renovated since the first race it hosted in 1996. But over time and frequent traffic, the track was deteriorating rapidly. On the occasion of the 2022 Grand Prix, the layout has been completely revamped. In addition to resurfacing the track, the organizers have decided to modify some turns to create no less than four DRS zones, a first in Formula 1.

In order, the first turn of the circuit, known for accidents, has been widened by 2.5m on the right side. The third turn has also been widened, this time by four meters to provide more overtaking opportunities. Further along, at the sixth turn, the widening is much greater. Indeed, the drivers will have a larger space of 7.5m to their right, which should also increase the speed by about 70 km/h at that spot.

The old chicane of turns 9 and 10 has been replaced by a long acceleration zone starting from the exit of turn 6. As a result, the cars should reach the chicane 11/12 at 330 km/h, making this section a DRS zone. The eleventh turn has also been modified. Widened by three meters on the inside, drivers will have better chances of overtaking. Furthermore, it has been reprofiled to create a positive camber at this location.

Last corner to be widened, the thirteenth benefits from an enlargement on the inside. This change will make the defense more complex for the drivers approaching the DRS zone.

Finally, the pit lane also underwent a number of modifications. It has gained two meters in width, thanks to the removal of the grass strip, which has now been replaced by a wall. This latest change could potentially have an impact on team strategies, as they previously lost a lot of time in the pit stops.