The F1 commission has announced big changes to rules ahead of the 2024 season. DRS rules are set to change alongside updates to Sprint weekend schedules and power unit penalties.
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The Drag Reduction System (DRS) has been used in races since 2011, allowing for many a fierce battle and countless overtakes. With changes to rules set to come into play in the 2024 season, will they delight us with more on-track action or will we be see more DRS trains?
DRS involves the driver opening a flap in the rear wing of their car, reducing drag levels and giving them an extra dose of speed. DRS is only available then the car in front is less than one second ahead – particularly helpful for the driver in P1. But this extra advantage can have its’ downsides. We often see the driver in P1 dart away from the pack with the extra dose of speed.
Now, in a bid to allow for more battles at the start of the race, the F1 commission have agreed to make changes to rules. DRS will now be enabled on lap two – a lap earlier than in previous seasons. The new rule will also apply at race restarts after a safety car period. On the other hand, closer racing at starts and restarts could also see more ‘DRS trains’ come into play.
More Exciting Changes
However, the new changes to the DRS rules aren’t the only development to look forward to in the 2024 season. Alongside them, the commission has also agreed to a change in Sprint weekend scheduling. Friday will see Free Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying, and the Sprint and Grand Prix Qualifying will take place on Saturday. The Grand Prix will be the only event to take place on the Sunday.
Finally, drivers are now allowed to use four power units before they’re hit with a penalty in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
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Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images