FIA Alters DRS Zones for 2024 Mexican Grand Prix....

FIA Alters DRS Zones for 2024 Mexican Grand Prix….read more

In a significant last-minute adjustment, the FIA has modified the DRS zones for the upcoming 2024 Mexican Grand Prix at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This change was prompted by feedback received from the 2023 race, which indicated that overtaking had become too straightforward on the main straight.

The key alteration involves a reduction of the DRS zone on the main straight, which will now begin 240 meters from the start, rather than the previous activation point of 165 meters. This shortening of the DRS zone by 75 meters is aimed at enhancing the competitive nature of the race, as the FIA responds to insights from drivers and teams about how overtaking strategies are unfolding.

Historically, the FIA has been proactive in modifying DRS zones in response to race conditions and stakeholder feedback. For example, during the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, an extended DRS zone was implemented to promote more overtaking opportunities. The changes at the Mexican Grand Prix reflect the FIA’s commitment to continuously improve the racing experience and keep the competition exciting.

In addition to the adjustment on the main straight, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will retain a total of three DRS zones for the 2024 event. The other two zones include one located between Turns 3 and 4, which activates 115 meters after Turn 3, and another situated between Turns 11 and 12, starting 80 meters after Turn 11. These zones are designed to facilitate overtaking in various sections of the circuit, thus enhancing the overall race dynamics.

As the race weekend approaches, the schedule includes two free practice sessions, the second of which will last 90 minutes instead of the usual 60 due to a Pirelli tire test. The final practice session will occur on Saturday, followed by qualifying later that day, with the main race scheduled for Sunday.

Heading into the Mexican Grand Prix, reigning champion Max Verstappen leads the Drivers’ Championship with a substantial 57-point advantage over McLaren’s Lando Norris. In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren holds a 40-point lead over Red Bull, placing the latter in second position.

Current Drivers’ Championship Standings

1. Max Verstappen – 354 points

2. Lando Norris – 297 points

3. Charles Leclerc – 275 points

4. Oscar Piastri – 247 points

5. Carlos Sainz – 215 points

6. Lewis Hamilton – 177 points

7. George Russell – 167 points

8. Sergio Perez – 150 points

9. Fernando Alonso – 62 points

10. Nico Hulkenberg – 29 points

11. Lance Stroll – 24 points

12. Yuki Tsunoda – 22 points

13. Alex Albon – 12 points

14. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 points

15. Kevin Magnussen – 8 points

16. Pierre Gasly – 8 points

17. Oliver Bearman – 7 points

18. Franco Colapinto – 5 points

19. Esteban Ocon – 5 points

20. Liam Lawson – 2 points

21. Zhou Guanyu – 0 points

22. Logan Sargeant – 0 points

23. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points

As the teams and drivers prepare for the race, the changes to the DRS zones are expected to significantly influence the strategy and excitement of the event. Fans and participants alike are eager to see how these adjustments will impact overtaking opportunities and overall race dynamics during the Grand Prix weekend.