Vettel warns F1 can't become too reliant on DRS for passing

While F1’s new 2022 cars have proved easier to follow each other in battle, the reduced slipstream effect has put a greater emphasis on the benefits gained by the Drag Reduction System.

The length of some DRS zones, like in Saudi Arabia, has also led to a situation where overtakes are virtually guaranteed for the car behind.

The recent Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola started in wet conditions, but drivers were not able to utilise DRS for several laps after the switch to dry tyres.

Vettel, who watched the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix from home after contracting coronavirus, thinks F1 needs to tread carefully when it comes to the reliance on DRS.

The four-time world champion is wary that DRS has increasingly become the only way for overtakes to happen, having originally been introduced as a way of giving drivers a greater chance of pulling off a pass.

Reflecting on the change to racing with the 2022 cars, Vettel said: “I think you can follow closer. But there is less drag effect as well and we do rely on the DRS probably more than in the past, to some extent.

“The interesting bit would be to take the DRS off and see how the racing really is, and if you are able to overtake a lot better than, let's say, in the past.

“I'm only a bit cautious for the DRS, because it was brought in as an assistance to help overtaking, but now it feels a bit like it's the only thing that allows you to overtake at times.”

Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin, on the grid

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Vettel believes that F1’s chiefs should ultimately target cars that do not need the DRS boost for overtakes to happen.

“Ideally, we have set of regulation that allows us to follow and race without DRS,” added Vettel.

“DRS hasn't