F1 considers DRS ban in qualifying as Red Bull's DRS advantage is back at the Belgian GP
Red Bull's DRS advantage during the Belgian GP is back. The contrast during a rain-affected Saturday led to F1 debates about possibly banning DRS in qualifying rounds.
According to data from German publication Auto Motor und Sport from the Belgian Grand Prix showed the significant straight-line speed advantage Red Bull garners when their rear wing opens.
Red Bull's RB19, throughout the season, has been a topic of admiration and perhaps envy among competitors, notably for its aerodynamic efficiency, shedding substantial drag and maximizing speed.
The unpredictable weather in Spa provided insights into the DRS performance of the top 4 cars. Race management permitted the use of DRS in Q3 on Friday.
However, during the SQ3 shootout on Saturday, the conditions were deemed too hazardous due to excessive water on the track, leading to the deactivation of DRS.
The situation prompted debates within the F1 community, with many drawing attention to Red Bull's significant advantage when DRS is enabled.
Notably, Auto Motor und Sport reported on discussions considering a potential ban on DRS during Saturday's qualifying sessions.
Sunday's race further emphasized this point. With DRS re-enabled, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, the Red Bull duo, showcased superior speeds, especially down the Kemmel straight.
Mercedes' chief technical officer Mike Elliott expressed his astonishment at this finding.
“It’s incredible how much lap time Red Bull gains as soon as the rear wing is open," Elliott stated.
"When we overlay the speed curves, it's almost unfathomable."
Belgian Grand Prix speed comparisons:
- Red Bull:
- With DRS: 340.8kph
- Without DRS: 320.5kph
- Gain: 20.3kph
- Ferrari:
- With DRS: 337.3kph
- Without DRS: 318.3kph
- Gain: 19kph
- Mercedes:
- With DRS: 333kph
- Without DRS: 319.8kph
- Gain: 13.2kph
- McLaren:
- With DRS: 326.9kph
- Without DRS: 311.6kph
- Gain: 15.3kph
The comparative speeds between teams, both with and without DRS, place Red Bull in a league of its own.
Their advantage in DRS zones like those at Spa-Francorchamps, gives them an edge that competitors are striving to understand and possibly replicate.
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