Ross Brawn wants Formula 1 to reduce its DRS reliance, calling it 'ritualistic'

Ross Brawn believes the drag reduction system (DRS) that helps Formula 1 cars overtake each other is "clearly proving too powerful".

The system, commonly referred to as DRS, was introduced in 2011 and allows drivers to open a flap on their rear wing to increase the top speed and encourage more overtaking.

The system has its limitations, though, as a driver cannot open it unless they are within one second of the driver ahead of them when they cross the DRS detection zone. Each track also has a limit from one to three zones where DRS can be deployed.

While it encouraged overtakes upon its introduction, it has titled too far with the common theme of a 'DRS train' where drivers all follow each other without overtaking becoming increasingly common.

Drivers are also less adverse to go for risky overtakes if they know they can just breeze past their opponent half a lap later.

Be bold with the DRS

Brawn, who recently retired as the managing director of motorsports for F1, believes the sport should be bold in reducing the effectiveness of DRS.

"The one thing we know is fans, and we know this because we don't like it, they don't like the 'go down the straight, pop the DRS, overtake, drive fast, pull a gap' all of that," he told Motorsport.com.

"I think in an ideal world, DRS is used just to get on the back of someone, so you can really have a decent attack."

The former Ferrari man commented that DRS's purpose has shifted from allowing drivers to get close to one another to enable easy overtakes.

Brawn highlighted the example of the Australian Grand Prix this year which had a DRS zone designed to push drivers closer together.

"If you remember, they had four DRS zones, and someone managed to persuade them to take one of them off, which was