Red Bull’s advantage in the Drag Reduction System (DRS) is something that will take time to close, even though their Formula 1 competitors are now aware of it.
The RB19’s DRS supremacy has contributed to Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez’s powerful performances, frequently making them invincible in straight runs.
This DRS advantage has played a crucial role in achieving notable success in qualifying rounds and has enabled both Verstappen and Perez to effortlessly outpace their competitors in various races.
While initially, Red Bull’s extraordinary DRS gain led to speculation about a hidden system aiding its acceleration, competitors have swiftly discerned the mechanics involved.
Rather than being a mechanism that might be considered dubious or against the rules, it’s actually about how Red Bull optimizes drag at the car’s rear.
The team has consciously decided to create a larger proportion of drag from its rear wing as opposed to its beam wing. Consequently, when the main wing opens, the speed increase is more pronounced.
However, rivals cannot merely replicate this method, as their vehicles don’t generate the required performance from the diffuser, allowing them to minimize the beam wing, which contributes to both high downforce and drag, enhancing rear-end stability.
McLaren has made some strides in this area, introducing an efficient beam wing at the Belgian Grand Prix to alter the rear’s drag ratios, hoping to begin realizing more DRS benefits.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL60
Photo by: Michael Potts / F1 Flow Images
But Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, acknowledges that emulating Red Bull’s rear development will be a lengthy process, one that has been in progress for two seasons.
“They seem to have been working on this concept for a while,” said Stella, referring to Red Bull’s DRS edge.
“I believe they benefit from extensive experience with this configuration. This has gradually become evident.
“I think all teams are now exploring what can be gained by moving in this direction,” Stella added.
Aston Martin, another team that has been noticeably lagging behind Red Bull in DRS, is also steering in this direction to foster enhancements.
Tom McCullough, Performance director, explained: “The updates we introduced in [Belgium] were mostly in alignment with those strategies.
“It’s about how everything at the rear of the car works in unison, be it the rear brake furniture, the diffuser, or the beam and the rear wing.
“They’re maximizing everything at the rear of the car, and it’s the balance between these elements that’s vital.
“You want consistent aerodynamics, but also a significant boost when DRS is activated. This also depends on the rear wing level and numerous other elements.
“We saw Red Bull master this at the beginning of last year, and they were potent with it then. I think everyone has been attempting to narrow that gap to some extent.”
Additional readings:
- Aston Martin’s recent struggles in F1: A result of upgrades or issues with the flexi-wing?
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- The potential identity crisis at AlphaTauri and its future in F1.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: DRS advantage
What is the standout characteristic of Red Bull’s RB19?
The standout characteristic of the Red Bull’s RB19 is the DRS (Drag Reduction System) advantage that has made drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez often unstoppable on the straights.
How has Red Bull achieved the DRS advantage?
Red Bull has achieved the DRS advantage by deliberately choosing to have a bigger ratio of drag coming from its rear wing compared to its beam wing. When the main wing opens, it results in a greater speed jump.
Why can’t other teams simply copy Red Bull’s DRS approach?
Other teams can’t copy Red Bull’s approach because their cars are not producing the necessary performance from the diffuser that allows them to cut back on the beam wing, which is essential for Red Bull’s method.
What are McLaren and Aston Martin doing to try to catch up with Red Bull’s DRS advantage?
McLaren introduced a more efficient beam wing at the Belgian Grand Prix to change the drag ratios at the rear, aiming for more DRS gains. Aston Martin is also working in this direction, focusing on the interaction of the whole back end of the car.
Has Red Bull’s DRS system been considered as operating in a grey area of the rules?
No, rather than operating in a grey area of the rules, the system is more about how Red Bull balances drag levels at the rear of the car. The method is within the regulations, and rivals have come to understand the dynamics at play.
More about fokus keyword: DRS advantage
- Red Bull Racing Official Website
- F1’s Guide to the Drag Reduction System (DRS)
- McLaren F1 Team Official Website
- Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team Official Website
- F1 Technical Regulations and Rules
5 comments
AM needs to step up their game. they were close early in the season. what happened?? hope the updates in Belgium work
This isn’t the first time Red Bull’s led with innovative tech. Reminds me of the old days. Always pushing boundaries, always ahead of the curve!
Can’t believe how RB is dominating with this DRS trick, why cant other teams figure it out yet? Go Max and Sergio!
I think McLaren is onto something, wait and see guys, they’ll catch up soon. their engineering team’s one of the best.
I dont understand all these aerodynamics stuff but it’s cool how it affects the race. can someone explain more about beam wing?