Vettel remains puzzled by Mercedes’ DAS

After missing the first day of winter testing due to illness, Sebastian Vettel took the wheel of the SF1000 on the second day. Like everyone else, whether in the paddocks or on social media, the driver couldn’t escape the novelty unveiled by Mercedes, the DAS.

The German stated that his team became aware of the system for the first time during the broadcast of the onboard camera images on Lewis Hamilton’s car. These images show in particular how the Briton activates the system during the straights.

« I suppose if Mercedes is using it, that means it’s legal. I don’t know if the system works, I think there’s quite a bit of work to be done to be able to use it. It’s probably not as easy as it seems for the driver. We’ll see, but it was an innovation that we need to follow closely. »

Vettel questions the safety of this new system, comparing it to the F-duct introduced by McLaren in 2010. This system required drivers to use a hand or a knee to cover holes in the cockpit, thus benefiting from significant aerodynamic advantages.

« We had the F-duct a few years ago, and we were driving with one hand on most circuits. It wasn’t safe, but we were faster, and in such cases, you do what you are driven to do. That’s why the FIA is there; they take care of our safety and make sure things make sense. But most importantly, they make sure we keep our hands on the steering wheel and not elsewhere. » added the German.

« Imagine that you are used to running in running shoes, and then someone asks you to run in flip-flops. You can do that too, but it will be completely different. It’s not quite as extreme, but it’s just like if you add something new that gives you an advantage, you will use it even if it seems strange to you. As long as you have the ability to do it and have enough practice, then why not use it? »