The DAS will no longer be authorized starting in 2021!

The DAS system, created and tested by Mercedes during the winter tests in Barcelona yesterday, seems legal although the FIA has not yet made a statement. Indeed, the technical regulations stipulate that the steering wheel cannot act on more than 2 wheels. Mercedes confirmed during a press conference that the system complies with the current regulations.

Article 10.4.1 of the technical regulation /f1/news/23910-mercedes-tests-a-mechanical-system-to-reduce-the-front-axle-width.html9 stipulates: « No system may allow the re-alignment of more than two wheels via the steering wheel ».

The other teams, however, can request a clarification from the first Grand Prix weekend in Australia if they consider this use too risky or borderline with the regulations.

While other teams would consider adopting the concept if it truly provides a competitive advantage, it appears that the FIA has already taken the necessary measures to prevent teams from replicating the same innovation during the 2021 season.

In fact, article 10.5.2 of the 2021 technical regulations clearly states that « any change in the angle of the steering wheels can only be effected by rotation of the steering wheel ». The interpretation of this regulation would therefore mean that DAS and similar systems will no longer be allowed.

Nevertheless, the FIA having been aware of the DAS developed by Mercedes probably several months ago, it is not known if the addition of this article to the technical regulation was done to eliminate certain grey areas in the regulations or simply a coincidence.