‘A Shame That It Is Banned’ – Mercedes Originally Had Greater Plans for DAS in F1
Follow Us
At the pre-season testing at Barcelona, Mercedes surprised the grid when the on-board footage revealed that their drivers could push and pull the steering wheel. At that moment, the Brackley team introduced their DAS invention to the grid.
Dual Axis Steering allows Mercedes to change the angle of the front wheels by using the steering wheel. According to the report, the 2021 rule change has banned the concept. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ technical director, James Allison analyzes DAS’ effect on Mercedes.
Allison acknowledged, “We ended up limiting ourselves to the first feature, which is relatively crude.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“It is a shame that it is banned for next year, but I understand it. I would say that it has probably offered most of what we expected. We have a part of what it can offer, but not all.
He continued, “It was very helpful in giving us the ability to warm up the tires on the starting laps and allow the front end to prepare well for a qualifying lap and similarly after the safety cars.
“We were hoping we could use it more on the course of a race, from old to new tires. The original idea is that it would be easier to turn around the curve with a little adjustment of DAS,” he further added.
“This is DAS?”- Watch George Russell Settle into Hamilton’s Mercedes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Allison highlights Mercedes DAS’ disadvantages
The DAS brought some advantage to Mercedes. However, the Brackley engineer also pointed out some inconveniences caused by it. He pointed out, “The drivers didn’t find it easy to use it, as something that they could really push and pull while turning.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Perhaps in a full season in which we had not been so distracted by the covid, we could have had more opportunities to develop and test,” he concluded.
Trending
Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat
April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT
F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco
April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out
April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP
April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Oliver Bearman to Join Haas as Nico Hulkenberg Leaves Seat Empty to Join Kick Sauber Team
April 26, 2024 10:45 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Mercedes have dominated the hybrid era and clinched their seventh consecutive title this season. They will look forward to increasing their record next season and provide its drivers with a car that helps them top the drivers’ championship as well.