Dual-Axis Steering (DAS): Which teams will follow Mercedes' lead?

Dual-Axis Steering

Dual-Axis Steering (DAS): Which teams will follow Mercedes' lead?

It's caused quite a stir in pre-season testing, but will other constructors look to implement DAS?

Paul Macdonald

Sunday 23 February 2020 18:17

Dual-Axis Steering (DAS): Which teams will follow Mercedes' lead? (continued)

RACING POINT

Are they implementing DAS?

A tentative yes.

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Otmar Szafnauer: “It looks like a clever bit of ingenuity, and I’m sure everyone now will see how quickly we can get it out. Even in a year like this, if it makes a big difference, we should do it.

“If we decide to go down this route we’ll do it ourselves. We look around everywhere to see what other people are doing to improve our car, I know the other teams do the same so it’s interesting to see who’s the first follower around this.”

RED BULL

Are they implementing DAS?

Unclear, and questioning legality.

Helmut Marko: “If you actively change the toe of the wheels while driving, the contact surface of the tyres changes.

“And with that – albeit in a very, very small area – the ground clearance.

“But that is forbidden because the system then corresponds to the functioning of a prohibited active suspension.”

RENAULT

Are they implementing DAS?

Unclear.

Alan Permane: “The detail lies in if it’s a steering system or a suspension system and the two in the technical regulations, they’ve been defined differently and that’s where the detail is.

“Whilst we’re jealous or frustrated or whatever we are, they’ve clearly found something they think is a benefit and that’s one of the wonderful things about Formula 1.”

WILLIAMS

Are they implementing DAS?

Unclear, but unlikely.

Similarly to Alfa Romeo, it would be a surprise if Williams could find the resource to replicate Mercedes' design, particularly given it may only be in use for a handful of races before the 2021 regulation change. Williams have to get their car into a competitive state before looking at modifications like this.