Perez surprised by experimental F1 rule: 'First time I've heard of it'

In the 2023 Formula 1 season, the number of sprint races will be increased from three to six and the sport will experiment with a new DRS rule. Speaking to GPblog and other media, Sergio Perez revealed his expectations for the experiment.

Currently, DRS can be activated on the third lap of the race or on the third lap after a restart. Since this gives some drivers ample opportunity to build up a lead of more than a second and others cannot use DRS as a result, F1 is going to experiment with a new rule.

Perez on experimental F1 rule

The rule means DRS can be activated a lap earlier than usual and will only apply to sprint races in the 2023 season. Asked about his expectations from the experiment, Perez's response is striking. "It's the first time I've heard of it," said the Red Bull Racing driver. "It's been a while since I've spoken to the engineers about the sprint races."

The Mexican doubts such a rule will have much effect. "I don't think it will make much of a difference. We are all with very fresh tyres at that point," he explained. "Unless they force us to do a stop, I don't think we will see much of a change."

This year's sprint races will be held ahead of the Grands Prix of Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Qatar, the United States and Brazil. The first sprint race of the year is scheduled for Saturday 29 April in Baku.