How do Formula 1 cars overtake?
The history and mechanics behind Formula 1's Drag-Reduction System
What is DRS?
Introduced in 2011, The Drag-Reduction System, commonly known as DRS is a method of reducing air drag and increasing speed. With just a push of a button on the steering wheel, drivers can gain up to 7.5mph which allows for easier overtaking. However, this is what makes it a center for controversy. Many fans claim that it makes it too easy for drivers to overtake and takes away from actual driver skill. Whatever fans may think, DRS is an innovation that has changed the way cars race in Formula 1.
DRS allows the car to toggle between flat out speed and traction to take corners by opening and closing a flap in the rear wing. It changes the way air flows around the car and thus impacts downforce and speed.
This is what a Formula 1 car’s rear wing looks like without DRS:
As you can see, the flap is closed so the airflow gets disrupted and air molecules are pushed up over the flap. This increases the downforce of the car and gives it more traction for cornering.
For those of you interested in the physics behind the increased traction, take a look at the diagram and explanation at the bottom of this article.
This is what a Formula 1 car’s rear wing looks like with DRS:
The air is flowing through the gap since the flap is open. DRS makes the car lose about 30% of its downforce which gives the car about an extra 10-12 km/h (6.2-7.5 mph) according to the FIA. This allows trailing cars to be able to overtake more easily.
If DRS was enabled when cars were taking corners, cars would not be able to take the corners as fast because of the decrease in traction. This is why as soon as the driver touches the brakes, the flap closes.
When can drivers use DRS?
DRS can be used after 2 laps as long as it is not wet. At every racetrack, there are certain activation zones (mainly straights) where DRS can be used. A driver may use DRS in the next activation zone if they are within 1 second of the car in front of them at a DRS detection point. The race leader may use it on back-markers if they are lapping cars. DRS cannot be used in the pit lane, behind safety cars, or under yellow flags.
DRS detection points and activation zones at Spa:
Traction diagram + explanation:
By Newton’s 3rd law, we know that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The rear wing pushing the air up has an equal and opposite reaction of the air pushing the car down. This adds to the over all downforce. Then, we know that the friction of an object is equal to the coefficient of friction (which is a constant in this case because the surface doesn’t change on a track unless it begins to rain) times the Normal force which is the sum of all the forces in the negative direction. This is because the car is not moving in the y-direction, so the sum of the forces must equal 0. We can then set up the equation and realize that as the downforce, by the air pushing down the car, increases, the friction increases as well.
Here is a helpful video if you are interested in learning more: How Does DRS Work? | F1 TV Tech Talk |
I now finally understand DRS
I didn't know there was such a thing as DRS until now!
You've explained the concepts very clearly, and I enjoyed learning the physics that make DRS work. Look forward to reading more of your articles!