Mercedes’ DAS steering wheel system already illegal for 2021
F1 News
- Bevan Youl
Mercedes are currently under the magnifying glass from competition and the Formula 1 world after they introduced the ‘Dual Axis Steering’ system during day two of testing. Although they claim the FIA consider it legal for 2020, it is already illegal for 2021?
The DAS system has been a constant debate with Silver Arrows technical director James Allison saying it brings an ‘extra dimension’ to a driver’s steering, while clarify that the FIA had already been made aware of it.
As seen from footage Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas can pull or push the steering wheel themselves which changes the alignment (toe) of the front wheels, but it is unknown the extent of what it achieves.
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Although it may look to be legal for 2020 the regulations in place for the 2021 season might say otherwise, meaning it would be unable to be used next year.
Section 10.5.2 of the regulations state: “The re-alignment of the steered wheels, as defined by the position of the inboard attachment of the relevant suspensions members that remain a fixed distance from each other, must be uniquely defined by a monotonic function of the rotational position of a single steering wheel.”
Therefore, the DAS system won’t be in F1 for long but, unless a strong case is made from opposing teams against the innovative idea, Mercedes will have a new trick up their sleeve for the 2020 season.