The Formula 1 race management, led by Niels Wittich, has decided to eliminate one of the four DRS zones implemented in the Australian Grand Prix, as well as modify the Safety Car regulations to avoid one of Max Verstappen’s habits.
After the first day of free practice at the Albert Park street circuit, the Formula 1 race management has decided to reverse its striking decision to implement four DRS zones on the track located in Melbourne.
Therefore, since Free Practice 3 is held this Saturday, the drivers will only be able to use three zones, something that the FIA has justified by referring to safety. “For safety reasons, the DRS zones will be reduced to three for the remainder of the event.. DRS Detect 1 will move before Turn 9 and DRS Activate 1 will be after Turn 10. DRS Detect 2 will remain unchanged.”
Therefore, on the fastest track section of the circuit, the one that runs between turns 8 and 9pilots will no longer be able to use the throttle reduction device drag, thus avoiding dangerous situations on the approach to the fast chicane that follows. On the other hand, the DRS can be used in the area that comes later, between turns 10 and 11.
Changes in the Safety Car procedure
On the other hand, the FIA has also acted on the regulations related to the safety car and specifically on what the drivers can or cannot do when it indicates that the race is going to be relaunched.
Until now, when the Safety Car turned off the lights to indicate to the leader that he was going to control the pace and restart the race, the second classified could be placed next to him as long as his front wing did not overtake his opponent’s.
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This technique is usually used by Max Verstappen to put pressure on the leader and have more options to overtake him once the race is relaunched. However, after complaints from some drivers, who consider that this practice limits the freedom of movement of the leader of the group (as well as any other driver whose pursuer performs a similar maneuver), the FIA has decided to act.
Therefore, from now the pilot who rolls from behind will not be able to overcome the rear wing of his opponentthus allowing it to move freely across the width of the track.
Source:
FIA