Is DRS Going Away From the 2022 Formula 1 Cars? Is F1 Planning to Scrap It?

After the new and revolutionary car was unveiled ahead of the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, the entire Formula 1 community was in agreement with just how drastically different the new car looked. But there was one thing about the newly designed rear wing that had many fans wondering – Will there still be DRS in 2022?

After all, the rear wing didn’t look like it had a DRS flap that moves on command.

And the answer to that question is, yes, the DRS will remain a part of F1 in 2022. But its role or the advantage it produces could be significantly less in the coming season than what we’re used to from the previous seasons.

So for now, F1 will have the DRS, but perhaps not for long.

Is Formula 1 planning to scrap the DRS?

This is because the way the new car is designed is incredibly aerodynamic-centric. And one of the key objectives of the new car is to bring cars closer through several fresh additions, such as an updated floor, new wings, etc.

What this will basically do to racing is that the car in front will create a rotating airflow wake. And as a result, the remaining dirty air will reduce in strength or severity for the car behind.

So if there’s less dirty air, there will naturally be a less effective straight-line slipstream. And less wake and a less effective slipstream mean the DRS won’t create as much of an advantage as it used to be.

“If the design goal of the 2022 cars is achieved, and lagging and overtaking actually becomes easier, then Formula 1 wants to abolish the DRS bonus step by step,” Michael Schmidt of Auto Motor und Sport said.

And Formula 1’s chief technical officer Pat Symonds also said of the system, “The ideal situation would be that we no longer need DRS at all.”

So at this moment, it’s likely that by 2024 we could say farewell to DRS.

Also Read: What Are the Biggest Changes Made to the Formula 1 Car for 2022?