It is basically a part of the rear wing that a racer can use at the touch of a button reduces aerodynamic drag and thus increases the maximum speed of the car, which of course gives it an advantage in overtaking. The system can be used when less than a second behind the front-wheel drive race car, and was introduced in Formula 1 in the 2011 season.
DRS is the only moving part of the car with which it is possible to influence the aerodynamics and is an exception in this respect, as the rules explicitly prohibit such a way of influencing the aerodynamics of the car itself. Similar systems are also used in series Formula Renault 3.5, DTM, Formula 2, GP3 in Formula 3.
In the case of Formula 1, the DRS consists of a transverse panel and a flap, which can be for the maximum 50 millimeters rises above the transverse panel, which is fixed to the rear wing of the car. When the flap is in the highest position and at absence of lateral forces (i.e. when the car is driving on a plane), the drag on the rear wing is reduced, thus the thrust is also reduced, and on the other hand, the acceleration of the car is improved and the maximum speed is increased. This makes overtaking easier, but the impact of the system on different racetracks varies considerably, and drivers must use all their knowledge to overtake.
