2011 · TECHNICAL
2011 Technical Regulations
2011 introduced DRS (Drag Reduction System) — a driver-activated movable rear-wing flap that reduced drag on designated straights to aid overtaking. Activation in the race was limited to a specified 'DRS zone' and only available to drivers within 1 second of the car ahead. Pirelli replaced Bridgestone as the sole tyre supplier on a brief from the FIA to produce deliberately high-degradation compounds that would force strategic pit stops. KERS, which had been absent in 2010, returned — this time widely adopted across the grid.
Chapters
DRS debut
DRS was designed to partly offset the dirty-air problem that had plagued F1 following since the ground-effect ban of 1983. Drivers could activate the rear-wing flap on designated straights to reduce drag and pass faster. Use in qualifying was initially unrestricted (all laps) and restricted in races to the follow-within-1s rule. The 1-second gap logic and zone structure remained F1's standard overtaking aid until the 2026 active-aero reset retired DRS.
Key changes
- DRS introduced with 1-second gap rule and designated zones.
- Pirelli replaces Bridgestone as sole tyre supplier.
Last updated: 2026-04-24
This summary is editorial material prepared by F1pedia for general F1 audiences. It is not a legal reference. For binding rule text, consult the official FIA document.