how to use DRS for overtakes in F125

Learn about how to use DRS for overtakes in F125

Updated October 1, 2025

If you’re new and struggling with how to use DRS for overtakes in F125, you’re not alone. It’s frustrating to be close but never quite get the move done. In F1 25, DRS only works in specific zones and under strict conditions, so timing and setup matter. This guide will show you exactly how to trigger, time, and combine DRS with ERS to make clean, reliable overtakes.

Quick Answer

Open DRS only in the green-flag DRS zones, when you were within 1.0s at the detection line, and the HUD shows DRS available. Map a dedicated DRS button, exit the preceding corner cleanly, then press once at the activation line. Combine DRS with a short ERS “Overtake” burst. Brake normally to close DRS and complete the pass.

Why how to use DRS for overtakes in F125 Feels So Hard at First

You must be within 1.0s at the detection point, not just “close” anywhere.
DRS is disabled for the first two racing laps, in wet conditions, and during safety car/VSC or yellow flags.
The game won’t let you open DRS outside activation zones, so pressing the button “early” does nothing.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to qualify for DRS, when to press it, how to combine it with ERS, and how to choose the right moment to overtake.

What how to use DRS for overtakes in F125 Actually Means in F1 25

DRS (Drag Reduction System) flattens the rear wing flap to reduce drag and increase top speed.
It can only be used:
- In official DRS zones after a marked activation line.
- If you were within 1.0s of a car ahead at the previous detection point (races).
- In Practice/Qualifying/Time Trial without the 1.0s rule (still zone-limited).
It is automatically unavailable:
- Laps 1–2 of a race, and for two laps after a Safety Car restart.
- Under yellow flags, SC/VSC, and when Race Control disables it for wet conditions.

You’ll see a DRS indicator on the HUD. When it turns green or shows a “DRS” prompt, you can open it with your DRS button.

Before You Start (Prerequisites)

Hardware: Controller or wheel with at least one spare button for DRS. Headphones help you hear the DRS beep/prompt if enabled.
Game mode: Works in Grand Prix, Career/My Team, Multiplayer, and Time Trial (zone-limited; detection rule varies by mode).
Settings and menus you’ll use:
- Settings > Controls > Edit (your device) > Button Functions > DRS
- Settings > Assists > DRS Assist (On/Off)
- Settings > On-Screen Display/HUD > Make sure DRS indicator is enabled

Step-by-Step: How to Fix / Improve how to use DRS for overtakes in F125

Map a dedicated DRS button

Open Settings > Controls.
Edit your control preset and assign a comfortable, easy-to-reach button to “DRS.”
Success check: You can press this button without moving your steering/throttle fingers.

Choose your DRS Assist preference

Settings > Assists > DRS Assist.
Off = full control (recommended once you’re comfortable).
On = auto-opens in zones, but removes tactical control and can cost overtaking opportunities.
Success check: You know whether you will press DRS manually or rely on the assist.

Enable a clear HUD indicator

Settings > On-Screen Display/HUD.
Ensure the DRS indicator is visible.
Success check: On track, the DRS icon turns green or shows “DRS” when available.

Learn the detection vs activation lines on your track

In Practice or Time Trial, drive a few laps and spot the DRS boards/lines:
- Detection line: Where the 1.0s check happens (races).
- Activation line: Where pressing DRS will actually open it.
Success check: You can name the corner that leads to each activation zone.

Set up the overtake before the detection line

In races, be within 1.0s at the detection point. Use slipstream and ERS to close in before the detection line, not after it.
Success check: HUD shows “DRS ENABLED” next straight if you were within 1.0s.

Maximize your corner exit before the DRS straight

Focus on a clean, early throttle application and straight steering on the corner exit that leads into the DRS zone.
Short-shift if needed to avoid wheelspin; a tidy exit beats a twitchy one.

Open DRS at the activation line

As you cross the activation line and see the HUD indicator, press your DRS button once.
Keep the car straight; avoid big steering inputs on kinks.
Success check: You’ll hear the flap open and see speed climb faster than usual.

Pair DRS with a controlled ERS “Overtake” burst

Press “ERS Overtake” for 1–3 seconds to surge alongside.
Release ERS once you’re alongside or past to save battery.
Success check: You’re gaining rapidly without draining your entire ERS.

Choose the right moment to pass

Best options:
- Drive alongside and complete the move under braking with the inside line.
- If two zones share one detection point, delay the pass until just after the first activation line so you keep DRS for the second zone (pull away safely).

Close DRS and brake normally

DRS closes automatically under braking or at the end of the zone.
If the car feels light or there’s a fast kink ahead, you can tap the DRS button to close it earlier.
Success check: Stable braking, no overspeed into the corner.

Defend smartly on the next straight

If you passed before the detection line for the next zone, the rival may get DRS. Consider timing the pass after the detection point when zones are linked.

Common Mistakes and Myths About how to use DRS for overtakes in F125

Pressing DRS “early”: It won’t open before the activation line, even if you hold the button.
Confusing ERS with DRS: ERS is electrical power; DRS is the rear-wing flap. They’re separate buttons and systems.
Ignoring the detection line: Being 0.2s back after the detection point is too late. Be within 1.0s at the detection line.
Weaving with DRS open: Big steering inputs can destabilize the car. Keep it straight.
Using DRS in the wet: If Race Control disables DRS, the icon stays gray/crossed out—don’t spam the button.
Relying on DRS Assist forever: It’s fine to learn, but manual control lets you time and cancel DRS tactically.

Troubleshooting and “What If It Still Feels Wrong?”

DRS never becomes available
- Likely cause: Not within 1.0s at the detection line (in races); or it’s early laps; or yellow flags/SC/VSC; or DRS disabled for rain.
- Fix: Close the gap before the detection point; wait until lap 3+ under green; check HUD for “DRS disabled.”
You press DRS but it doesn’t open
- Likely cause: You’re before the activation line or outside a DRS zone.
- Fix: Press once right after the activation line when the DRS icon turns green.
Car snaps or feels light with DRS
- Likely cause: Opening DRS on a bend or with too-aggressive steering; very low rear wing setups amplify this.
- Fix: Open only when straight; consider 1–2 clicks more rear wing or reduce rear ride height sensitivity; close DRS early before fast kinks.
You overtake but get re-passed immediately
- Likely cause: You passed before a second detection point and gave the rival DRS back.
- Fix: If two zones share one detection, delay the pass until after the first activation line.
HUD shows DRS but no speed gain
- Likely cause: Very high downforce wings, headwind, or no ERS to pair with DRS.
- Fix: Use a balanced wing setup; add a short ERS burst; check wind direction in sessions where it’s shown.
Mechanical/Random issues in Career
- Possible cause: Rear wing/DRS fault event or damage.
- Fix: It’s rare but can happen in longer modes. If the engineer reports a DRS fault, you won’t be able to use it until fixed (if at all) that race.

Note: Don’t mash the DRS button repeatedly; one press is enough. Also avoid maxing out low rear wing just for DRS—your cornering and tire life will suffer.

Pro Tips Once You’re Comfortable

Battery-first approach: Use ERS to get within 0.8–1.0s by the detection line, then let DRS do the heavy lifting on the straight.
The slingshot: Lift slightly before the detection point to slot within 1.0s, then use DRS+ERS to explode past—especially useful against strong AI or online.
Double-zone strategy: On tracks with two zones and one detection, stay behind until the first activation, then pass so you keep DRS for zone two to break the tow.
Defensive awareness: If you can’t attack, think defense—ensure the car ahead doesn’t tow the car behind into you by toggling ERS usage smartly.

How to Know It’s Working (Definition of Done)

Run this simple test in Grand Prix mode at a track with long DRS zones (Austria, Monza, Mexico):

You can consistently arrive at the detection line within 1.0s when pushing.
The HUD DRS icon turns green at the activation line and opens when pressed.
With a brief ERS burst, you draw alongside or pass before the braking zone.
You close DRS and brake stably without overshooting.
On linked zones, you can time the pass to retain DRS for the second straight.

If you can tick those boxes for multiple laps, you’ve got DRS usage dialed.

ERS racecraft: Learn when to deploy and when to save for maximum effect in fights.
Overtaking lines and braking: Improve side-by-side positioning and late-brake control.
Straight-line vs downforce setup: Find the right wing balance so DRS gains don’t ruin cornering.

Now that your how to use DRS for overtakes in F125 is under control, the next big gain usually comes from smart energy deployment. Check out our guide on F125 ERS management next.