Formula 1 authorities may consider a ban on DRS usage during qualifying, potentially impacting one of Red Bull’s significant strengths.
At present, drivers employ their drag reduction systems (DRS) within designated zones during flying laps, except when race control deactivates DRS due to conditions like rain.
This confers Red Bull an advantageous edge, as their adept car design endows their DRS with more potency compared to rivals. The result: added velocity on elongated straights where DRS deployment is sanctioned.
Nonetheless, this advantage might face extinction. According to the German source Auto Motor und Sport.
Per the German news outlet, the distinction of Red Bull’s DRS advantage was highly notable at Spa. Demonstrating this, Lewis Hamilton clocked the swiftest speed of 313.4 km/h while navigating the Eau Rouge section.
A considerable gap separated him from Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen, who trailed at 307.9 km/h and 307.2 km/h respectively.
On the ensuing Kemmel straight, the Red Bull drivers surged past the measuring marker at remarkable speeds of 340.8 km/h and 338.8 km/h. In contrast, Hamilton’s velocity at that point reached 333.0 km/h.
F1’s decision-makers contemplate an outright elimination of DRS usage during qualifying sessions.
Introduced to enhance overtaking and inject excitement into races, the system’s purpose becomes redundant during qualifying sessions where overtaking isn’t the objective.
DRS utilization significantly bolstered Red Bull’s qualifying performance this season. Despite the RB19’s resolute dominance in every race, their competitors have drawn closer concerning single-lap speed. Notably, both Mercedes and Ferrari managed to outshine Max Verstappen in qualifying once each this season.
This can be attributed to Red Bull’s strategic inclination to fine-tune their cars for race pace rather than focusing on one-lap performance. This choice occasionally hampers their qualifying progress, but it strategically positions them to outpace competitors when points are ultimately at stake.
