Carlos Sainz gives verdict on new DRS rules: “It will be a challenging 2024”. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz reflects on new DRS rules.

The 2024 Formula One championship has just begun, and the second round of the world championship in Saudi Arabia is about to start. After the initial performance showcase in Bahrain, the cars are ready to tackle a track completely different from Sakhir. A city circuit where cars will have the throttle open for a long time, and the use of the rear wing will be crucial. The aerodynamic element has raised some concerns among drivers, with Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz expressing his views on the new DRS rules.

Starting from the 2024 season, Formula 1 cars can activate the DRS from the second lap of the race, earlier than before. Additionally, even after the Safety Car period ends, drivers must wait for just one lap to reactivate the wing. After the Bahrain GP, drivers were asked for their opinions on how the new DRS rules affected the race.

Carlos Sainz did not hold back and commented that it will be challenging to find the balance between not stressing the tires and doing everything to enter the DRS zone.

“I believe a lot of strategy comes into play, especially regarding tire sensitivity to the push,” added Carlos Sainz.

“So, on the one hand, you want to push to get out of the DRS or to get into the DRS. On the other hand, you want to save the tires because we all know how sensitive they are to the push in the early laps. It’s a very fine line. As soon as I saw there was no pressure from behind, I decided to manage the tires, and that paid off, instead of getting into the DRS battle. And then I could overtake them without problems.

“And yes, it will depend on the track. I think it will be a very complicated season, with 24 races like this. It happened last year in the Sprint.” – the Spaniard pointed out.

“So yes, it will be a challenge, but another interesting thing to reflect on.” – Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz concluded.

Source: f1ingenerale