DRS loses its effectiveness as cars become increasingly efficient.

      "Cars have become progressively more efficient."

      26 September 2025 - 16:27

      Formula 1 drivers are growing increasingly frustrated as overtaking has become more challenging again, and engineers have acknowledged that the once-effective DRS (Drag Reduction System) is now diminishing in its impact. At Baku, which features a 2.2-kilometre stretch for high-speed driving, only 24 overtakes occurred over the course of 51 laps, with seven of those happening during the restart. After that, the race experienced little movement, even the faster McLarens and Ferraris struggled to navigate through the field.

      The ground-effect regulations implemented in 2022 were intended to facilitate closer following, and they initially succeeded in doing so. However, according to Mercedes engineer Andrew Shovlin, subsequent developments have altered the dynamics. "Cars have become increasingly efficient," he stated. "As a result, the car ahead no longer creates as significant a void in the air for the trailing car. The slipstream effect is diminishing."

      This trend also negatively impacts DRS. With more downforce being generated from the car's floor, the size of rear wings has decreased. What used to be known as 'Monaco wings' are now seldom seen even at circuits designed for high downforce.

      Smaller wings result in reduced drag during normal operations, leading to less drag available to be eliminated when DRS is activated. "In Monza, the DRS had virtually no impact at all, as the wing already provides minimal drag in the upright position," Shovlin acknowledged. "There's nothing the DRS can counteract."