Are extra DRS zones Formula 1’s answer to its overtaking problem?
Its essentially always been an issue, but organizers are using gimmicky solutions to fix it.
So far this season, Liberty Media has chosen to add extra DRS zones to a few circuits to improve the on-track spectacle. The opening round at Albert Park was the first circuit to receive the treatment, with an extra DRS zone added between turns 12 and 13. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was also elected as a circuit in need of an additional zone, positioned between turns 7 and 8. More recently, the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg was selected as a circuit to include a third DRS zone. But are these extra DRS zones needed? And how much do they alter the action on track?
Historically, the season opener at Albert Park has been a challenging circuit to overtake on, especially since the new generation of Formula 1 cars were introduced last year. In 2017, just 14 overtakes were recorded during the 58 lap race, the second lowest all season, only better than Monaco. Therefore, an extra DRS zone looked like a quick solution to the lack of action for 2018. And it worked — kind of — with a slightly better 24 overtakes recorded in this years’ Grand Prix. So yes, the extra DRS zone has helped, slightly, although this figure was largely boosted by Valtteri Bottas’ surge through the order from the back.
Canada faired slightly better in 2017, producing a comparatively favourable 36 overtakes in 70 laps. And judging by the sub-par race this year, even with the extra DRS Zone implemented, the stats aren’t going to look a lot better. Canada was one of the lowest statistics in 2017, although it did beat the races in Abu Dhabi, Hungary, Russia, Monaco and drew level with Spain. Considering the fact that the Grand Prix in Russia, Monaco and Spain have passed without change (and let’s be honest, where could you put an extra DRS zone at these circuits?), is it safe to assume that some circuits in the future may see the same alterations? I’m speculating I know, but hear me out — specific circuits would hugely benefit from an addition of an extra DRS zone. Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi could feature an additional DRS zone along the front straight, and the same could be said for the Hungaroring, where a DRS zone between Turns 11 and 12 would likely improve proceedings.
So the question must be asked if certain circuits are getting a third DRS zone, why aren’t other likely candidates eligible for the same solution, no matter how good or bad the racing may be? It’s not as though these four or five circuits are outliers in an otherwise action-packed calendar of races. Aside from the exception that was Baku with 127 overtakes, 2017’s second highest result was at COTA and the US Grand Prix, where a startling 64 passes took place. Not a great statistic. Bahrain has a number of long straights where a DRS zone would work perfectly, and the same can be said for China, Great Britain and a whole host of other circuits currently on the calendar. After all, given that the consensus within the F1 community is that the fans want more action and on track overtakes, why limit the changes to a couple of circuits?
Do you think the extra DRS zones added to specific circuits are improving the on-track spectacle? Let us know in the comments.
