Helmut Marko Rubbishes Mercedes F1’s DAS System as Illegal

Mercedes’ rivals have firmly taken note of the latter’s steering wheel trick and everyone seems to have a different opinion regarding the same. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko revealed his thoughts on the Mercedes steering wheel column. The Austrian believes it resembles another invention which has been outlawed by the FIA.

Helmut Marko on the Mercedes DAS

As Mercedes were conducting their regular tests like all other teams, something caught fans’ attention. As Lewis Hamilton was hurtling down the straight at the Circuit de Barcelona, he appeared to be “readjusting” his steering wheel. An onboard camera showed the Brit pulling the steering column outwards just before the straight and inwards just after.

At first glimpse, this seemed harmless, but on closer look fans realized Mercedes had done some serious work back at Brackley. When Hamilton pulled the steering column inwards, there was a minor realignment of the front wheels. The front wheels appeared to straighten as a result of the action. Furthermore, as Hamilton pushed the column back in, the wheels realigned to their original position.

This piece of “innovation” hasn’t gone down too well with the other teams, who are seeking clarification on the mechanism with the FIA. Mercedes technical director James Allison recently spoke about the steering wheel column and claimed it was perfectly legal. Allison also revealed the innovation’s name – ‘DAS’.

DAS stands for Dual Axis Steering and its benefits in Mercedes’ case is highly minimal. DAS could potentially prevent rear tires from overheating on the straights and provide a marginal improvement in top speed.

Speaking to Auto Bild, Helmut Marko disagreed with Mercedes’ claim of it being legal.

“If you actively adjust the ‘camber’ while driving, the contact surface of the tyres with the asphalt changes,” 

“The height of the car to the road surface is therefore changed, even if it is only a very small amount. It is forbidden, however, because the concept has similarities with the working method of a forbidden active suspension.”

Will the FIA issue a clarification?

Active suspensions were first introduced by Lotus in the early 80s. The innovation allowed the ride height of the car to remain unchanged despite the uneven nature of a race track. That resulted in better grip and aerodynamic advantages. The FIA banned the use of the system in 1993.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Rival teams won’t be giving up their cause and if deemed legal, will try to replicate or innovate the “DAS”.

However, credit where it is due, Mercedes have worked their magic once again.