Why Mercedes’ Slick DAS System Still Matters
This year must be a huge disappointment for Mercedes-AMG and the F1 season, as it, along with virtually all other large global events being cancelled. More so because the Mercedes-AMG racing team won’t be able to utilize the genius new steering system they recently developed.
The System is an on-the-fly toe adjustment tool which allows drivers to optimize the front wheels’ toe settings for corners or straightaways instantly. The effects of the new Dual Axis Steering (DAS) can be seen in the illustrations below.
FIA is the motorsport organization that governs various auto racing programs and heavily influences rules regarding F1 racing.
FIA rules will change next year which means this type of system likely will not be allowed in coming seasons. Mercedes-AMG initially received some criticism (and some praise as well) for applying the system to new F1 cars seemingly overnight. Many thought it shouldn’t be allowed, while others saw potential in the technology.
Personally I think that innovations like these allow the sport to progress, and become better, ultimately more competitive. F1 innovation allows technology to trickle down to mainstream, sometimes making its way to production road cars. There have been numerous technological F1 breakthroughs over the years like KERS(Kinetic Energy Recovery System), and DRS(Drag Reduction System), both of which have had some influence on some of todays road vehicles. The new DAS system seems like a logical next step.
The FIA often restricts or bans new technologies, though usually not immediately. This year is a peculiar situation because Mercedes-AMG was allowed to utilize the technology for this F1 season only, however, no one was expecting a global pandemic to end the season early. Part of me hopes the rules for next season allow the use of DAS to see what effects it has on racing.
It’s kind of a double edge sword because although I personally would like to see how much DAS can change race dynamics, it’s easy to see how banning or restricting certain technologies drives innovation further. This would also give other teams and different engineering groups some time to try and create new similar technologies to help drivers and racing teams. Engineers are consequently looking for ways to gain any slight upper hand by developing technology that bends FIA rules even if its just for one season, and I absolutely love that.
I applaud the Mercedes-AMG team for coming up with their new steering strategy even if it won’t be used in racing. This is the type of innovation that drives global competition, and can only help the motorsport and automotive realms. Without these developments, the validity of programs like F1 would likely die out altogether. Perhaps one day we will find a similar DAS system to applied to road cars for a number of performance enhancements.
