Mercedes’ DAS system outlawed for 2021

Mercedes dual-axis steering (DAS) system has reportedly been outlawed for the 2021 Formula 1 season under the new technical regulations.

Mercedes shocked the paddock on the Thursday of pre-season testing when onboard cameras showed Hamilton pushing and pulling his steering wheel, which on closer inspection showed the toe of the front-wheels changing.

Mercedes technical boss James Allison confirmed on Thursday that the FIA had given the system the all clear as under the current rules, there is nothing that stipulates the toe can’t be adjusted as it is classed as steering, not suspension, which is governed by Article 10.5 of the technical regulations.

However under the 2021 regulations, which were published in October last year, an amendment to Article 10.5 appears to make reference to the Mercedes system.

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“The re-alignment of the steered wheels, as defined by the position of the inboard attachment of the relevant suspension 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.”

This Article, 10.5.2, isn’t included in the 2020 regulations and it therefore appears that the FIA has reacted to the development, which suggests Mercedes have been working on the idea for some time given it would have had to inform the FIA prior to the publication of the 2021 regulations in October for the new article to be included.

With the system banned next season, it will likely mean rivals teams will – at least the smaller outfits – decide against developing it which according to several sources, would take several months. However teams such as Ferrari and Red Bull may press ahead with copying it if they see a major performance benefit.

Under current regulations, the FIA cannot ban such an innovation if it complies with the rules and doesn’t pose a danger, unless all ten teams unanimously back the decision – however under a new rule for 2021, the FIA can ban things it believes go against the spirit of the rules without requiring unanimous support from all ten teams.