F1 looking to add additional DRS zones at circuits

F1's race director Charlie Whiting says that upcoming circuits on the calendar could feature additional DRS zones in a boost to aid overtaking. At the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, a third DRS zone was used on the run down into Turn 13.

Overtaking took a large hit as a result of the aerodynamic regulations that were introduced in 2017. Cars found it more difficult to pass each other, which remained a factor throughout the season. And at Albert Park on Sunday, the trend continued with a noticeable lack of overtaking.

Whiting defended the decision to use a third zone in Australia, saying it was worth a trial run:  "We are looking at optimising what can be done with the DRS zones," he said. "This is not an ideal circuit for that [overtaking], with the two DRS zones that we have that are not particularly effective.

"We thought as there is an opportunity to do something on that straight between Turns 12 and 13 and if a driver can get a little closer he may get another detection at Turn 14 and use it down the start straight. It was to offer a little something else here but we will try to do something more effective at other tracks where there is more opportunity to try to do that."