BELGIUM: Data from the recent Belgian Grand Prix has shed light on Red Bull Racing’s exceptional performance with their Drag Reduction System (DRS), showcasing their remarkable gains on the straights thanks to their innovative rear wing design.
Throughout the Formula 1 season, Red Bull’s RB19 has garnered attention from competitors for its prowess, particularly in utilizing the DRS to its advantage. The car’s ability to shed drag and enhance its top speed has been a consistent highlight, setting it apart from its rivals.
Comparative analysis of data from the Belgian Grand Prix has now unveiled the extent to which Red Bull’s drivers, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, have reaped the rewards of their DRS-focused approach.
The analysis confirms that Red Bull outperformed all other teams, showcasing superiority in all aspects.
While Lewis Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, displayed higher entry speeds through challenging sections of the track like Eau Rouge, it was evident that Red Bull drivers were able to make up ground on the straights.
The Kemmel Straight, in particular, proved favourable for Red Bull, allowing their drivers to brake later and maintain swifter speeds.
Red Bull’s top speeds with DRS engaged were significantly higher than their competitors, with Verstappen reaching a remarkable 340.8 kph (213 mph), outpacing even Hamilton’s 333 kph (208.1 mph) effort.
The effect of the DRS on Red Bull’s lap times was so substantial that Mercedes’ Chief Technical Officer, Mike Elliott, expressed disbelief when comparing speed curves.
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit’s long DRS zones presented Red Bull with ample opportunities to capitalize on its DRS advantage.
Despite rival teams narrowing the top speed gap throughout the season, Red Bull maintains their lead in leveraging the DRS system for speed gains, even while utilizing a minimal downforce setup in Belgium.
Ultimately, the Belgian Grand Prix showcased Red Bull Racing’s mastery of the DRS system, affirming its position as a frontrunner in exploiting aerodynamic advantages.
While Ferrari demonstrated their competitiveness, it was Red Bull’s exceptional utilization of DRS that allowed them to stand out among the competition, reinforcing their championship aspirations.
Also Read: Verstappen Dominates Qualifying, Leclerc Claims Pole for Belgian Grand Prix After Red Bull Penalty
