DAS steering systems to be banned for 2021 F1 season

The dual-axis steering system pioneered by Mercedes is set to be outlawed for the start of the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Mercedes caused a stir in the Barcelona paddock on the second day of pre-season testing when a new steering innovation was picked up by onboard TV footage of Lewis Hamilton’s W11 car.

The system, dubbed as ‘DAS’ by the reigning world champion squad, alters the toe angle of the front wheels through the steering wheel being pushed backwards and forwards along the straights and on corner entry.

The FIA had been made aware of Mercedes’ new device and has given the German manufacturer the all-clear to run the system during the 2020 season, though a change to the rules for 2021 mean the system would no longer be considered legal beyond the end of the year.

Speaking about the 2021 regulations in an FIA press conference on Friday, and FIA race director Michael Masi appeared to confirm that such dual-axis steering systems will be outlawed from next year.

“You have been very wise in noticing the change to the 2021 technical regulations,” Masi replied when asked about DAS.

“We will see what teams can come up with within those boundaries of what the regulations are written for in 2021.”

Mercedes technical director James Allison said on Thursday that he hoped the system would “bring an advantage” during the upcoming campaign.

F1 is pushing to close loopholes in the regulations from next season in a bid to prevent teams from gaining large competitive advantages due to exploiting the rules.