DRS Retires from Formula 1 to Pursue Baseball Career
Says it has “nothing left to prove in motorsport” and wants to chase a childhood dream.
ABU DHABI—In a press conference that stunned the paddock, Formula 1’s Drag Reduction System announced its immediate retirement from the series in order to pursue a professional baseball career.
“I’ve accomplished everything I set out to do in racing,” DRS told reporters, speaking with the polished confidence of a legend stepping away at the peak of his career. “But deep down, I’ve always wanted to stand on a baseball field, tighten my batting gloves, and swing at something other than passing opportunities.”
The timing raised eyebrows across the grid, as 2025 is the final year DRS appears in the rulebook. Still, insiders say the system has been quietly training behind the scenes, though the transition has been difficult.
“It keeps asking us to attach the bat to the wing that moves,” said minor league coach Javier Castillo. “We keep explaining this isn’t going to work. But how do you say no to a legend?”
Reactions varied widely. “I heard it was leaving due to gambling,” said Max Verstappen. Lando Norris immediately went to Zak Brown and asked if he personally should be worried.
When asked whether this was a publicity stunt to stay relevant, DRS shook its flap confidently. “I’m serious about this. People think I’m leaving something behind. But I’m actually returning to something I’ve always wanted. This is me pursuing my real dream.”
The Drive to Survive crews have already begun filming a behind-the-scenes special chronicling the transition, tentatively titled From DRS to RBI.
Whether DRS ever returns to Formula 1 is completely clear that it will not. But for now it intends to walk onto the diamond with the swagger of a champion who already changed one sport and is fully deluded it can change another.