After the pre-season tests of Formula 1’s radically altered technical regulations, drivers gave contrasting views on whether the Drag Reduction System is still needed to assist overtaking.
Those differences persisted after the first two races for the new machines. While some drivers remain convinced overtaking would be impossible without DRS, others said passing has become much more straightforward, allowing positions to be swapped repeatedly for lap after lap.
Charles Leclerc, who finished second in the last race after being passed by Max Verstappen, was among those who thinks DRS is still needed.
“I think DRS needs to say for now otherwise the races will be very boring,” he said. Leclerc believes this despite acknowledging F1’s changes have made it easier for cars to run closely together.
“Following has been better from last year to this year and it’s a very positive step. I like this step as a driver, I also think that it is very positive for the sport. But I still think…