To make overtaking easier, Formula 1 introduced the DRS system a few years ago. If a driver drives within one second of his predecessor at certain spots on the track, he temporarily gets a higher top speed. In many cases, a Formula One driver really depended on DRS for a successful overtake.

Less dependent

With the new regulations coming into effect this season, it should be easier to drive closer to a predecessor's tail and then overtake more easily. Andy Green, Chief Technical Officer of Aston Martin, believes that as a result the new generation of cars are gradually losing their reliance on DRS as an aid to overtaking. Indeed, the new cars are designed to make the car less dependent on the downforce produced by the wings. As a result, they should be faster in a straight line.

For now, the DRS will be as powerful as before, Green revealed at the launch of Aston Martin's AMR22. But he is calling on the FIA to take a look at whether DRS zones should be modified, as in principle the system should no longer be needed. Green also expects the FIA to reconsider the usefulness of DRS zones.

Disappear

According to Green, it is obvious that DRS zones will become shorter or even disappear completely over time. According to the Aston Martin technician, that would be a good thing, although it will probably be some time before it actually happens.