Red Bull Boss Helmut Marko shrugs the idea of installing DAS system in their 2020 car, claims it is not feasible to make one this season.
The Dual-Axis Steering system allows the Mercedes drivers to move their steering wheels front or backwards. This helps in controlling the tyre temperature better in cold European-like conditions. This revolutionary system, though, will see the last of it this season, as FIA has banned it 2021 onwards.
Red Bull had protested against DAS earlier this season
DAS created a flutter in the paddock when Mercedes first used it in the Austria GP last month. This led to Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner questioning its legality.
Red Bull followed it up by lodging an official inquiry regarding DAS to the FIA. It was eventually dismissed as Mercedes had created it under the watchful eyes of the motorsports governing body.
This has led to Marko and co. contemplating designing a DAS system of their own this season. Speaking to motorsport-magazin.com, he acknowledged its advantages, stressing on the fact that is vastly useful on European tracks, where the temperatures are lower than Asian or American tracks.
“The biggest advantage of this system is that it has a lot it is easier to get the tires at the right temperature. With a restart after a safety car, for example, Mercedes has an advantage. Because we are racing this season mainly in Europe, where the temperatures in the fall are lower, the benefits of the DAS will only increase.”
Will Red Bull develop DAS for this season?
Even though Red Bull have shown a keen interest in DAS, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will develop it. Marko has stressed on the fact that it takes time and a lot of money to create DAS. And with it anyway being banned from next season, it would be pointless to make it, considering they have much more significant car-related issues to ponder upon.
“We are discussing whether we are going to do it, but it takes time. We do not just want to recreate it, we want to improve it. The advantage is clear, but the disadvantage is that it is very difficult to reproduce. It will be banned next year.”
Marko also expressed surprised at FIA’s decision to allow Mercedes to make the system, when it is banning it from next season anyway. He has suggested an independent committee be formed which will handle disputes of such nature in the future.
“I find the situation a bit strange because the FIA gave Mercedes the green light to develop it anyway.”
“Maybe a committee should be set up so that more neutral decisions can be made in the future. We now need to be more aware of our costs, which makes it easier to let go. It is a difficult choice. “
