What is DAS? Why was it banned from Formula One?

The 2020 Mercedes car, W11, was a creation of brilliant minds, they included a controversial steering system called DAS.

What is DAS? Why was it banned from Formula One?

Lewis Hamilton, Image via Wikipedia

The 2020 Formula One season was a game-changer for Mercedes AMG Petronas. They were the hot topic in Formula One right from the pre-season testing, thanks to their leading-edge invention, DAS. The Duel Axis Steering created quite a buzz in the paddock. The W11 had the privilege of using DAS, with which Sir Lewis Hamilton won his seventh title.

The first eight rounds of the 2020 season were held behind closed doors due to the pandemic. The fans missed out on witnessing the magic created by Mercedes. The German team is well known for its technological innovations and exploitation of technical regulations. They have several projects and focus on development and performance. DAS was one such creation—a unique and massively impactful technology.

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The then-reigning champion broke several records with W11 in action. The team won the constructors seven times consecutively, breaking Ferrari’s record. Apart from breaking Micheal Schumacher’s world championship record, Lewis Hamilton also broke the record for most career wins. 

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What is DAS?

According to James Allison, the Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes, DAS, or Duel Axis Steering, is an extra dimension for steering, unlike the usual single steering wheel. The inboard attachment allows the drivers to alter the positioning of the front wheels. The drivers can either pull or push the steering wheel from the cockpit. That’s where it got its name, DAS.

W11, Image via Mercedes AMG Petronas

Mercedes were the only team to use it. It helped them on certain tracks better than others. The DAS was activated on the straights by pulling the wheels inwards and pushing them back to their original place at the corners. This provided Mercedes with excellent stability around the corners. The team principal Toto Wolff mentioned that it was a good tool that helped them warm the tires, and it helped them have the optimal suspension as well. 

Why was DAS banned from Formula One?

From the time Mercedes implemented their invention, there was a question of legality. The other teams raised their eyebrows. But that was not an issue as the team had worked on it for over a year and kept in touch with the FIA about their steering system. Though Max Verstappen’s Red Bull protested this system, it was ruled legal.

However, the FIA banned DAS due to the cost requirement. The great system that allowed the toe angle to be changed was forbidden according to the technical rules. The team pacified themselves, saying it was not a significant loss, but they wanted to compensate. All eyes were on their new system. The others on the grid, especially Ferrari, wanted to make their version of DAS so that they could also enjoy similar benefits before it got banned and the return to conventional steering happened. 

Mercedes would not have spent their time and money developing the Duel Axis Steering if it did not believe in it. They produced a technology that yielded a championship season and was legal under the regulation then. But rest assured, other car parts will equally add to its performance. It is uncertain whether DAS might make a comeback further down the lane, but currently, it stays banned.

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