Newey acknowledged that devices such as that used by Lotus had great potential, if their challenges could be conquered.
"It's for sure an interesting area," he said at the launch of the RB9.
"It's also very tricky to have a system that's reliable, that withstands following another car without being triggered at moments that would be embarrassing, and to make it a positive gain on balance over the weekend.
"None of those things are straightforward."
He would not be drawn on how far Red Bull had progressed with its own DRS addition.
"We have certainly investigated it," said Newey.
"I wouldn't like to give away what we may or may not do during the season.
"It's a very interesting area, and it's there to be explored.
"Deriving lap time benefit, or more importantly points benefit, out of it, is more difficult."
