2011 F1 Regulations
DRS, KERS and Pirelli
Three changes landed together. The adjustable rear wing, DRS, replaced the banned driver-adjustable front wing flap: a driver within one second of the car ahead could open it on the straights to cut drag, though not in the first two laps or the two laps after a safety car. KERS returned after teams agreed to drop it for 2010, again at 60 kW and about 400 kJ per lap and still optional. Pirelli replaced Bridgestone as sole tyre supplier with tyres that wore out much faster, adding stops and strategy. The double diffuser, the F-duct and the adjustable front wing were all banned.
Typical Engine
Configuration
V8
Capacity
2.4L
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated + KERS
Power
~750 hp + KERS boost
What Changed
Overtaking Aid
Driver-adjustable front wing flap
DRS: rear wing opens within 1 s of the car ahead
KERS
Dropped for 2010
Back at 60 kW, ~400 kJ per lap, optional
Tyre Supplier
Bridgestone
Pirelli, designed to wear faster
Double Diffuser
Allowed
Banned
F-duct
Allowed
Banned
Impact on Racing
- DRS split opinion: passes became easier, but some fans felt they were handed over rather than earned
- Faster-wearing tyres made tyre management and pit strategy central to results
- Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel took both titles again
What changed in the 2011 F1 regulations?
Three changes landed together. Key changes: Overtaking Aid: Driver-adjustable front wing flap to DRS: rear wing opens within 1 s of the car ahead; KERS: Dropped for 2010 to Back at 60 kW, ~400 kJ per lap, optional; Tyre Supplier: Bridgestone to Pirelli, designed to wear faster; Double Diffuser: Allowed to Banned.
How did the 2011 regulations affect racing?
DRS split opinion: passes became easier, but some fans felt they were handed over rather than earned. Faster-wearing tyres made tyre management and pit strategy central to results. Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel took both titles again.
What engines did F1 cars use under the 2011 rules?
V8, 2.4L, Naturally Aspirated + KERS, around ~750 hp + KERS boost. Notable engines: Renault RS27, Mercedes FO 108Y, Ferrari 056, Cosworth CA2011.