Leclerc: Formula 1 currently ‘better off’ with DRS

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc believes Formula 1 should continue to run the Drag Reduction System (DRS), stating overtaking would be reduced if it was scrapped.

In recent years, F1 bosses have voiced their intent to eventually part ways with DRS, which significantly increases the straight line speed of a car in the designated zones.

Some have lodged their disapproval over the system that has been used for over a decade, believing it takes away from “natural” racing.

However in the first two rounds of the 2022 season, DRS has played a crucial part in the exciting battle for the leads between Leclerc and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

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“I think without DRS passing would be reduced significantly,” Leclerc said. “So I think we are still better off with DRS. 

“What we might need to consider maybe is the speed delta that there is with the DRS might be a bit too much, which gives the car behind maybe too much of a speed delta [so] that sometimes the overtake is done before the braking. 

“And you’d much rather have the two cars battling under braking rather than passing like in the highway. 

“Now, that is sometimes what can happen. So maybe we need to have a look at this but we definitely need DRS nowadays.”

Leclerc missed out on the race victory in Saudi Arabia last Sunday, after he was overtaken by Verstappen a handful of laps before the chequered flag.

Verstappen says that without DRS, he would’ve had no chance to battle Leclerc in the grand prix.

“I didn’t have DRS today I would have never passed,” he said. “I think we are still too sensitive for that. 

“And of course, some tracks are easier to pass than others. But for me at the moment, if DRS wouldn’t be there, I would have been second today.”