F1 may introduce new rule like something from Mario Kart after Max Verstappen dominance | F1 | Sport

Ross Brawn has claimed F1 will consider introducing a new system which would make the leader slower in races in a move that would see the sport allow the back-runners to catch up to those out in front, like in some racing video games. The tool would be a form of active aerodynamics which could work as a reverse DRS to bring cars closer together.

The implementation could see race leaders could lose downforce to make it more difficult to control their cars and stay ahead. Brawn is clear that F1 has not decided they will go ahead with the plans but stressed it could be an “opportunity”.

He told Autosport Magazine: “But, active aerodynamics, we semi have them at the moment with DRS, as DRS is active aerodynamics. But can you do something much more significant?

“If you have active aerodynamics, then of course you could affect the car in front. You could have a proximity [that] once you get within a certain degree, the car in front loses a little bit of downforce and you gain a little bit of downforce. There’s tricks you can play with that. It becomes an opportunity.

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The overtaking aid was branded artificial and a gimmick when it first launched ahead of the 2011 season. However, the sport will change DRS for the first time next season by allowing drivers to use it earlier in the race.

Up until now it was only possible to use a DRS from the third lap of the race but F1 bosses have tweaked the rule to allow its use on lap two in sprint races.