Mercedes introduced the DAS system in the 2020 pre-season test (Getty)
F1 teams are known for innovation and Mercedes brought in the DAS (Dual Axis Steering) system to their 2020 car.
The Silver Arrows has won the last six world titles with their drivers doing the same, and the DAS (Dual Axis Steering) seems to have given them an edge already.
The technology was brought out on the second day of the 2020 pre-season test, and it got many people talking.
Lewis Hamilton was seen pulling and pushing his steering wheel, which saw his front tyres change their angle (called toe).
This will help in the heat distribution of the tyres as the angle can be changed when going into a corner or on the straights.
F1 provided more information about what the new DAS system actually could do for the Mercedes team.
“If the mechanism works as assumed, the [effect of deploying the device will mean the] tyres will be heated more evenly across their width as they run fully upright, but the benefits of toe-out can still be deployed into the corner. It will be of particular benefit on circuits with long straights.”
Tyres might not be seen as a game-changer in normal cars but in F1, it can be a major difference.
If DAS can provide additional protection for the tyre and spreads the heat around better in the corners and straights, Mercedes could run their cars longer on a set of tyres when compared to their rivals.
That would provide them with more room to take strategy calls, and it will be interesting to see how much of an advantage it can provide.
A tenth here or there can mean the difference between pole position and fourth place on the track during qualifying.
The ability to manage tyres during a race could see Mercedes make fewer stops since their tyres are in better condition.
Mercedes finished day two at the bottom of the pile but testing doesn’t provide the entire picture for a team.
This is another big question arising with several fans questioning the technology.
Mercedes have claimed that they are confident of the legality of the device, especially since it isn’t automatic.
They have been in touch with the FIA over its development and James Allison wasn’t worried about the system.
Alisson was coy on the future of DAS and wasn’t giving out how much the Silver Arrows would use it.
However, F1 cars have seen many innovations, and this could be a big game-changer ahead of the 2020 season.
It is important to note that a rules change is up for 2021 which has already ensured this technology won’t be used in the future.
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