P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Critical F1 gadget used by all drivers will be axed
It’s the end of an era in Formula 1 as the rules in place since 2022 will be changed for the 2026 season. The iconic Drag Reduction System (DRS) from 2011 will be retired after the Yas Marina race. DRS will be replaced by new technology like the ‘Z-mode’ and ‘X-mode’ to increase downforce and straight-line speed. These new systems will be manually activated by the drivers at specific areas on the track. However, not all drivers are convinced about the changes, with Lewis Hamilton expressing doubts about the new regulations and the performance of the cars. The 2026 cars will be smaller, lighter, and hopefully promote closer racing, especially at challenging circuits like Monaco. The future of F1 racing looks promising, but the impact of these changes remains to be seen.
