F1 drivers admit loss of fourth DRS zone hampered overtaking in Australian GP

The DRS zone, which included the curving section of track from Turn 8 to Turn 9, was removed by the FIA on safety grounds just 20 minutes before Saturday’s FP3 session.

It had been the subject of debate at the previous evening’s drivers’ briefing, with the conversation led by Fernando Alonso.

Before FP3 race director Niels Wittich canvassed the teams for their views on the safety implications of the zone. Five supported the idea of removing it, and five opposed, and Wittich opted to take it out.

After the race Esteban Ocon, who spent much of the race behind other cars, suggested the extra DRS zone could have helped.

However he acknowledged that passing moves would have been “risky” with the DRS open heading into Turn 9, which was the argument used by team-mate Alonso in the briefing.

“We were very close but we couldn’t pass,” said the Frenchman when asked by Autosport about the impact of the loss of the DRS zone.

“I think we were probably lacking that fourth DRS zone, to be fair. I mean it was dangerous probably to have it, but that was the place I was closest.

“To make a move at such high speed is risky, and I agree with safety that it is good to remove it, but that is probably what we lacked today to have a bit more of a show.”

Esteban Ocon, Alpine A522

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

Sergio Perez, who was involved in several battles on his way to second place, noted: “It was a shame they took the DRS out because I think the racing could have been a bit better with it.”

Daniel Ricciardo also agreed there would have been more passing with the extra zone.

“I would say we would have had a few overtakes into Turn 9 with DRS there,” said the Australian.

“I saw one lap when I think Lando [Norris] was behind Kevin