F1 News, Reports and Race Results

FIA could add more DRS zones at tracks this year - Whiting

FIA race director Charlie Whiting says the governing body is mulling the idea of boosting the number of DRS zones at F1 tracks this year.

A third 'drag reduction system' zone was added at Melbourne's Albert Park between Turns 12 and 13, but last Sunday's race still highlighted the scarce number of overtakes which occurred at a venue notorious for its very limited passing opportunities.

Whiting revealed however that the experiment could be repeated at other tracks this year.

"We are looking at optimising what can be done with the DRS zones," Whiting said.

"This is not an ideal circuit for that [overtaking], with the two DRS zones that we have that are not particularly effective.

"We thought as there is an opportunity to do something on that straight between Turns 12 and 13 and if a driver can get a little closer he may get another detection at Turn 14 and use it down the start straight.

"It was to offer a little something else here but we will try to do something more effective at other tracks where there is more opportunity to try to do that."

Addressing the specifics of the Albert Park circuit, Whiting suggested the track's configuration could be tweaked in the future to help promote overtaking.

"We have discussed some changes to the track layout here with the AGPC (Australian Grand Prix Corporation)," he said.

"There is a project that could be realised, but I’m not sure where they are with that. It was an idea that I gave them a couple of years ago.

"It would be relatively easy, but you must not forget that this is a park with public road, so it’s not quite as easy as a race track."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

F1 drivers rally around Antonelli after abuse from ‘scum of the earth’

On the eve of Formula 1’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, drivers set aside championship…

1 hour ago

Abu Dhabi GP: Thursday's media day in pictures

Formula 1's 2025 season hurtles toward its dramatic close this weekend in Yas Marina, with…

14 hours ago

Verstappen: Let McLaren play games – 'all that matters is the trophy'

In a title showdown charged with tension, numbers, and a hint of intra-team intrigue, Max…

15 hours ago

Leclerc says Ferrari early pivot to 2026 ‘a no-brainer’

Charles Leclerc isn’t sugarcoating Ferrari’s struggles this season – but he also isn’t second-guessing the…

16 hours ago

Hadjar moving to Red Bull with ‘no expectations’ amid 2026 reset

Red Bull Racing’s newest recruit, Isack Hadjar, is stepping into Formula 1’s hottest seat with…

17 hours ago

Norris won’t ask Piastri for title help: ‘It’s not really up to me’

Lando Norris may be on the brink of his first Formula 1 world championship, but…

19 hours ago