What is DRS in F1?
A driver-operated flap in the rear wing that opens to cut drag and boost straight-line speed, allowed only when following closely in a DRS zone.
DRS is a moveable flap in the rear wing that a driver can open to reduce aerodynamic drag, adding several km/h down a straight to help overtaking. It can only be used inside marked DRS zones and only when the car is within one second of the car ahead at a detection point. The flap snaps shut the moment the driver brakes or lifts off, restoring downforce for the next corner. It is disabled while the track is under yellow flags or the first laps after a start or restart. DRS is dropped for the 2026 season, replaced by active aerodynamics and a manual override boost.
See also: F1's 2026 rules explained.
Related aero & the car terms
- Ground effect — Downforce generated by shaping the car's floor so airflow underneath speeds up and sucks the car onto the track.
- Dirty air — The turbulent, low-energy wake shed by a car in front that robs the following car of downforce and grip.
- Porpoising — A rapid vertical bouncing of the car at speed, caused by ground-effect downforce repeatedly stalling and returning.
- The halo — The titanium hoop around the cockpit that protects the driver's head from debris and impacts.
- Degradation ("deg") — The gradual loss of tyre grip and lap time over a stint as the rubber wears and overheats.
Now you know the term — catch it live. See when practice, qualifying and the race start for the United States GP in your timezone, or browse the full 2026 F1 schedule.
Definition written in plain language from the current F1 sporting rules and common usage, current as of 14 August 2026. Unofficial; not affiliated with Formula 1.