As reported before the season, the first five races in 2023 will see changes to the DRS zone, either expanded or reduced, to better balance overtaking.

In Miami, the activation points for the first two of the three DRS zones have been moved further forward.

The first DRS activation point up to Turn 11 has been pushed back from 30 meters after Turn 9 to 105 meters after Turn 9, reducing the DRS area by 75 metres.

The second DRS zone on the back straight has also been shortened by 75 metres, now starting at 525 metres, rather than 450 metres, after Turn 16.

The final DRS zone into the short start/finish straight has a negligible effect on overtaking anyway and remains the same.

These adjustments are made on a track-by-track basis and therefore have nothing to do with the reduction in DRS at last weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the DRS zone on the main straight was shortened by 100 metres.

But after last year’s massive parade at the Miami Grand Prix, the shortened area may raise eyebrows.

After a tepid race at the Baku City Circuit on Sunday, where overtaking was nearly impossible, several drivers questioned why the DRS was scaled down in 2023 when overtaking was more difficult than the year before. area, as teams add extra downforce to their cars.

Esteban Ocon, Alpine A523, lead Nico Hulkenberg, Haas VF-23

Photography: Mark Sutton

After being unable to overtake his rivals in Baku, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton said: “They have shortened the DRS on the straights this year, I’m not quite sure why they did that. We’ve been having a good race where the DRS is .

“By the time you turn on DRS, it’s too late. Lots of overtaking today? Well, you go.”

When McLaren driver Lando Norris was asked if the shorter DRS zone in Baku made sense, the Briton added: “No, no. All the drivers questioned at the driver briefing.”

Miami International Speedway, which surrounds the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium, was also completely resurfaced this year.

Its raw finish was criticized by drivers last year and was cited as a factor in the lack of action in the race.

Additionally, minor adjustments have been made to the layout of Turn 15, with reduced runoff areas for Turns 1, 4, 7 and 11 and rearranged guardrails. The walls between Turns 13 and 14 have also been adjusted.