Red Bull has raised questions to the FIA over Mercedes' DAS system

  • Published on 03 Jul 2020 13:35
  • comments 4
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Red Bull has spoken to the FIA regarding Mercedes' Dual-Axis Steering (DAS) system and has requested clarification of the controversial tool.

Mercedes unveiled DAS at pre-season testing earlier this year, with the toe angle of the front wheels changing with pulls and pushes of the steering wheel.

The exact benefits of the system remain unconfirmed, however theories have suggested that it retains tyre temperature on the straights, meaning they were warmer and provide more grip through corners.


MOREFP1: Hamilton leads Mercedes 1-2 after first practice in Austria


Mercedes is confident that the system is legal following discussions with the FIA, however Red Bull, who is being tipped to challenge Mercedes this year for the world championship, could be set to protest it.

Speaking to Sky F1 during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “It’s a complicated system, it’s a clever system and we’re after some clarification from the FIA, just raising some questions about it.”

Horner was then asked if Red Bull would consider developing its own DAS system for use later in the year: “It depends what it actually does and achieves. 

“Everything has to earn its place on the car. It’s a clever system, it’s an ingenious system. But these rules are so complex it’s just understanding which part of the regulations it fits.”

While DAS is allowed for the 2020 campaign, the FIA has moved to outlaw the system for the 2021 season. 

Replies (4)

Login to reply
  • Of course they do. But they've been granted this year with it, so unless RB manage to get all of the other teams and some of the FIA or FOM behind it, they'll have a tough time making it an illegal system.

    • + 0
    • Jul 3 2020 - 15:42
    • Snooky

      Posts: 121

      On the UK sky sports covered, redbull basically said they’ve got their own version ready if it’s deemed ok to use so we’ll see

      • + 0
      • Jul 3 2020 - 17:39
    • Sure they do, but it'll never be as effective due to their car philosophy.

      • + 0
      • Jul 4 2020 - 15:49
    • Snooky

      Posts: 121

      I guess it depends what it’s actually doing. There’s mixed messages, could benefit straight line speed which I’m sure Redbull won’t mind. Not sure if front tire warm up has been an issue for Redbull which is something Merc has struggled with and could use this as well. Think it’s too early to tell the true benefits of jt

      • + 0
      • Jul 4 2020 - 20:47

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar