Towards a Ban on DRS in Monaco?

The unique characteristics of the Monaco circuit – the proximity of the walls and the absence of a true straight line – have raised concerns among drivers about their safety, especially during free practice and qualifying where the use of the system is unrestricted. Since qualifying plays a crucial role in Monaco, drivers might indeed be tempted to take all risks with the DRS to achieve the best possible starting position.

If the decision is not yet official, the topic could be discussed at the Turkish Grand Prix and seems to have the full attention of the FIA.

The fact remains that after an unconvincing Australian Grand Prix, the DRS proved its worth in Malaysia and especially in China, where the number of overtakes reached record levels. Thus, for Nico Rosberg, Formula One has done a brilliant job.

« There is no one to say that the races are boring. Overtaking happens on the left, the right, in the middle… everywhere. […] The people in charge have made this sport even more exciting than last year, and that’s fantastic for the fans and everything else, » the young German enthuses before declaring that it was probably – along with Pirelli tires – « the best idea » Formula One ever had.

However, the DRS has not only made enthusiastic friends like Nico Rosberg. For instance, Niki Lauda called it the stupidest idea, while recently, Olivier Panis expressed concerns about its danger.

“I don’t like it!” declares the Frenchman to GPUpdate. “Seriously, if you want to have overtakes like in China, it has to be thanks to the circuit: if you put a hairpin before a long straight, of course, there will be overtakes.”

The former Ligier driver, a surprise winner in Monaco in 1996, believes, like many drivers at the start of the season, that there are now too many tasks to perform from the steering wheel: « Compared to what they used to do before, I think it’s more dangerous and I don’t feel in agreement with this ‘philosophy’. […] Especially since, if the system ever fails, it can become quite dangerous, especially in high-speed corners. »

Thus, Fernando Alonso fell victim to an electronic bug in China, as his wing remained open at the hairpin at the end of the straight, which was not supposed to happen.

“I don’t really understand who makes this kind of decision and if the guy was smoking something before making it,” the Frenchman jokes. “I really don’t think F1 needs this type of novelty. I’ve heard many drivers complain about it, and I agree with them. […] I think it is too dangerous compared to the show it generates.”

Olivier Panis will nevertheless have to try to get used to it because after the Chinese Grand Prix, the DRS system seems to have a bright future ahead of it – except in Monaco? – unless, of course, its danger is proven, which no one wishes.