• Question: how does the DRS work on f1 cars

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      Asked by obeylevss to Chia-Yu, Helen, Matthew, Matt H, Rhod on 25 Jun 2013.
      • Photo: Matthew Hudson

        Matthew Hudson answered on 25 Jun 2013:

        DRS is the Drag Reduction System and it’s actually very simply. F1 cars use aerodynamic wings on the front and back of the cars that use the air flow over the car to press down on the car and hold it to the road. This helps them to corner, but having a big wing on the back of the car also produces drag, as well as extra traction.

        When DRS is used, the wing at the back of the car flaps down, which reduces the drag on the car, allowing them to go faster… The power output of the engine remains the same, but the wind resistance (or drag) is reduced, resulting in a faster speed! Unfortunately, the cars then can not break or turn very easily, so as soon as they put their foot on the brake, the flap has to close.

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