Formula 1 is filled with technical intricacies that even seasoned fans need clarification on. That’s why we gave you the opportunity to ask your burning questions to our experts Ernest Knoors and Rob van den Heijkant in FORMULA 1 Magazine. They delved into the subject matter and provided clear, understandable answers. Today, we discuss everything about DRS, the aid we will bid farewell to from 2026 onwards.
Stefan Westmaas wonders: “I have a question about the activation of the DRS system. I notice that there is never really a driver who uses his DRS incorrectly or activates it before the DRS zone, for example. Therefore, I am curious about how the driver is informed about the use of DRS and how it is prevented that he unjustly opens the rear wing. And when the race direction reports ‘DRS Disabled’, is its use externally deactivated or does the driver have to stay away from the button himself?”
Rob van den Heijkant answers: “This all happens automatically with signals to and from the car. The position of the car relative to its predecessor at the DRS detection point is measured by GPS. Then a signal goes to the rear car that DRS can be used in the DRS zone. This can be made audible with a sound signal or visible with a light on the steering wheel. However, the driver must press the button manually. This button only works in the zone and this is checked by the GPS. The DRS automatically closes outside this zone. But also when the gas is released, when braking, or of course when the driver presses the button again.”
Race Direction vs DRS
“Since everything is electronically regulated, the race direction can remotely switch the DRS on and off. Sometimes it happens that the DRS does not work. Then I especially advise to listen to the swearing over the team radio.”
