The drivers are against the idea of shortening the DRS activation zones
The Formula 1 drivers have reacted to the latest modifications made to the DRS system before the Miami Grand Prix. We can see that through the various statements.
Several Formula 1 drivers have criticized the decision to shorten the DRS zones for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, following the overtaking problems encountered in recent races, particularly in Baku.
The drivers have taken a fairly similar stance towards the latest changes made to the DRS zones, with two out of the three activation zones in Miami now being shortened compared to last year’s race.
The previous race in Azerbaijan was criticized by many for its lack of overtaking opportunities, despite featuring one of the longest straights on the calendar.
The FIA had shortened the DRS zone in Baku, following the changes made to the Australian GP to include a fourth DRS zone.
Before the Miami GP, George Russell from Mercedes said that drivers were not consulted before the recent changes.
« I think that not all of us understood why they were shortened. None of us were consulted on this matter or invited to give our opinion, and I think the race spoke for itself in Baku. I don’t know if we will keep the same system for this weekend. The DRS is there to facilitate overtaking, and it’s always exciting when you have the DRS and it gives you the opportunity to fight, but clearly in Baku it was way too short », declares the Brit.
The drivers agree
Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc, has joined George Russell’s opinion: “Yes, I don’t think it’s the right direction. I believe that with the cars we currently have, it is still difficult to keep up. It is better than the previous generation cars, but it is not yet good enough to have less DRS, so I hope that in future races, we don’t shorten them.”
« Yes, I agree with Charles and George. I was behind Zhou for about thirty laps in Baku, about a second away, and I could never get close enough coming into turn 1. Several times I could have attempted a maneuver if the DRS zone hadn’t been shortened. So yes, I don’t think it’s the right direction », comments American driver Logan Sargeant, who will be competing in his first Grand Prix in the United States in Formula 1.
