George Russell wants the FIA to extend the DRS zone at Losail before Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver warned overtaking will be very difficult if the single DRS zone on the pit straight remains in its current configuration.

“I don’t want to put a downer on it, but [the order at] turn one is probably going to be where we end up, really,” said Russell after qualifying second for the sprint race.

“We briefly spoke about it this morning in the drivers’ briefing about why the DRS hasn’t been extended. I hope maybe after the sprint they can adjust it if needed for the race.

“It’s going to be very challenging to overtake. But obviously we’re in a good starting position so we’ll take it.”

Most Formula 1 tracks have at least two DRS zones. But Losail’s 16 corners are arranged so close together there is only room for a single DRS zone of useful length on the pit straight.

The zone was shortened by 175 metres ahead of last year’s race. Drivers can activate DRS 305 metres after the final corner.

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There have been few changes to DRS zones in recent races. This weekend is the penultimate event before DRS is removed from the regulations.

From next year cars will have adjustable front wings as well as rear wings and drivers will be allowed to lower them regardless of whether they are within one second of the car ahead. However drivers will be able to use a power boost which is proximity-based to replicate the effect of DRS.

Lando Norris is also pessimistic about his chances of gaining any places from third on the grid behind Russell in the sprint race.

“It’s impossible to overtake, so I think I’m probably going to finish [third],” he said. “But if I can at least get George off the line or something then that’s probably the most I can hope for.”

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