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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.
MORE: FP1: 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.
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
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.
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
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Sure they do, but it'll never be as effective due to their car philosophy.
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