DRS, the Most Stupid Element of F1 - Lauda

It's no secret that ever since the new moveable rear wing was introduced in Formula 1, triple champion of the series Niki Lauda has never been a fan of it. According to the 62-year old Austrian, it does nothing but create artificial racing while making it more complicated for the drivers to operate all the systems related to F1 racing today.

“Overtaking is something that should be decided by the drivers, not by the FIA flashing green lights in the cockpit telling them to fold their wings up or down,” said Lauda, according to a report from Sport1.

As shown by recent statistics following the Australian Grand Prix, the majority of the overtaking maneuvers performed on the Albert Park track were not the result of DRS (drag reducing system) deployment, meaning that the rear wing is yet to show its worth in the championship.

In fact, several members of the Formula One Teams Association (FOTA), along with the FIA race director Charlie Whiting have confirmed that the DRS will be tested thoroughly in the first few races of the season and regulation tweaks are possible in the future in order to improve its functionality in 2011.

Asked if he believes the adjustable rear wing will eventually be scrapped from the series later this season, in case its functionality will prove worthless, Lauda admitted: “That I don't know. I would have never introduced it. It's definitely the most stupid idea ever conceived.”