Vettel: DRS more like Mario Kart

Sebastian Vettel fears tomorrow’s Austrian Grand Prix will resemble a computer game, as Formula One’s rulers desperately attempt to jazz up the show.

Lewis Hamilton heads into the ninth round of the championship at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg 14 points clear of Vettel in the standings and having topped both practice sessions yesterday he will start as the favourite to extend his advantage.

The sport’s officials have introduced an extra Drag Reduction System (DRS) zone in Austria, which allows drivers the luxury of pressing a boost button on their steering wheel to help with overtaking. The move comes after four processional races in Spain, Monaco and Canada, while last week’s spectacle in France was saved only by a first-corner crash caused by Vettel.

“There are a lot of people who like Mario Kart, but F1 shouldn’t be artificial,” said Vettel, who finished behind the two Mercedes in practice. “I don’t know if it is a solution to put in an extra DRS zone. Maybe it helps overtaking, but if you end up just driving past another car, that isn’t exciting either.”

F1 overhauled its technical regulations last year in an attempt to make the racing more entertaining, but increased downforce on the cars has made it harder for the car following. The more durable tyres have also contributed to a lack of strategic unpredictability, with onestop races increasingly becoming the norm this season.

Indeed, qualifying is as important as ever, with the past four rounds won from the front of the grid.

Hamilton believes he must put his Mercedes car on pole today. “Position on the grid is proving to be more and more crucial because it is harder for us to overtake,” said the defending champion.

“Here, they have gone from one, to two, to now three DRS zones to try to make the racing more exciting, because it hasn’t been that up until now.

“I hope this weekend is better for fans to watch.”