F1 | Mercedes, Bottas on DAS: "It's safe and we drivers are comfortable using it"

One of the technical innovations that caught the most attention during the winter tests in Barcelona was certainly the DAS, or rather that system called Dual Axis Steering which allows the Mercedes W11 to modify the convergence of the front tires thanks to a movement of the steering wheel operated by the driver same. In fact, by literally pulling the steering wheel towards him, the driver is able to modify the convergence of the tyres, modifying their behaviour: a system which, from what we could observe in the winter tests, is not used in every single session and which does not It has particular limits regarding the area in which it can be used, i.e. both on straights and on curves.

There have been numerous discussions about its legality, but both Mercedes and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile have ensured that the system fully complies with the regulations, despite the latter actually banning it from next season. albeit for a reason more linked to the related development costs. Another objection raised by rivals concerns the safety of the device itself, as the fact that the driver can move the steering wheel on multiple axes could make it complicated for the driver to steer the car. From this point of view, however, one of the drivers who actually tested the system on the track wanted to reassure about its safety, declaring that he was already 100% comfortable with its use: “It's something impressive. It's super safe and we are 100% comfortable using it. There has been a debate about whether it is legal or not, but we think it is. We haven't used it in race circumstances yet, obviously, we want to see how it can help us,” said Valtteri Bottas.

Despite the Finn's indications, however, at the moment there are many doubts that remain around the DAS, both regarding its legality, with Red Bull intending to have a clarification in Australia, and for the safety factor, which will certainly be a a topic that we will talk about again very soon.