Will the shortened DRS zone at the Azerbaijan GP curb Red Bull’s dominance?

The shortened DRS-zone might make it tougher for Red Bull at the 2023 Azerbaijan GP.

Will the shortened DRS zone at the Azerbaijan GP curb Red Bull’s dominance?

Sergio Perez driving the Red Bull RB-18 at the 2022 Azerbaijan GP

The Azerbaijan GP is one of the most highly anticipated races on the F1 calendar. The Baku street circuit has provided some action-packed races, with its long main straight being a key highlight of the race. Although with the new era of F1 cars under the 2022 regulations, the cars were able to exploit the DRS zones, especially Red Bull.

Accordingly, as per reports, the FIA has decided to shorten the DRS on the main square in an effort to reduce the overtaking advantage. In 2022, the DRS activation zone was 347m after Turn 20 as it led to the long straight. However, as per the Race Director’s map this season, that point has been moved to 447m after Turn 20. However, the other DRS zone has been kept intact for the Azerbaijan GP this season.

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Previously, former F1 Director Ross Brawn had stated that the sport was not happy with the DRS-aided overtaking. Red Bull, in particular, dominated the 2022 Azerbaijan GP as the Austrian team could maximize its speed on the straights with the help of the DRS. This allowed Max Verstappen to come home with an easy victory.

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How the decision can influence the 2023 Azerbaijan GP results?

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Max Verstappen brought home a Red Bull 1-2 at this race in 2022

As the F1 circus heads to Baku, this modification will make a difference to the race. The 2023 Azerbaijan GP is an F1 Sprint weekend with a new format for the sprint race. As such, Red Bull Racing could’ve whitewashed the race completely with the older DRS length on the main straight as the Verstappen and Sergio Perez breezed past their rivals.

Yet, this change will reduce the power of the DRS to an extent. A 100m difference can potentially make a big difference and could result in more challenging opportunities for the car behind. Christian Horner‘s team continues to be the favorites heading into the race weekend, albeit this alteration can make it slightly tougher for Milton Keynes.

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Thus, the shortened DRS zone will reduce the aided overtakes at the Azerbaijan GP this season. The race has always created controversy in the past. The main straight has seen drivers crash into each other at high speeds and even tire failures. However, the teams will be hoping for a clean Sprint weekend in the streets of Baku. Fans would love to see some action.

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