A New DAS System Behind Russell’s Dominance in Las Vegas?

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Abstract

The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix was a stunning display of dominance by George Russell and Mercedes, whose performance led to widespread speculation about a possible revival of the infamous Dual-Axis Steering (DAS) system. Allegations have emerged that Mercedes might have deployed a modified steering mechanism to optimize tire management and temperatures, an act that could breach FIA regulations. This article examines the origins of DAS, analyses the evidence suggesting its reappearance, and reflects on its implications for the fairness of the Formula 1 2024 Championship.

 



What is the DAS, and Why is was Controversial?

Introduced by Mercedes during the 2020 Formula 1 season, the DAS system was a ground-breaking innovation that allowed drivers to adjust the toe angle of the front wheels by pulling or pushing the steering wheel. This adjustment improved tire warming during formation laps and optimised cornering efficiency by altering the car's aerodynamic balance. Despite its legality in 2020, the FIA pre-emptively banned DAS starting in 2021, citing Article 10.4.2 of the Technical Regulations, which states: “The steering system must be designed such that its function is solely to steer the front wheels."

The controversy surrounding DAS stems from its potential to exploit loopholes in the regulations, offering a competitive advantage while skirting the boundaries of what is considered fair. Now, in 2024, new allegations suggest that Mercedes may have found a way to reintroduce a DAS-like mechanism under the radar.

 

Examining the Evidence

To understand if this solution exists and how it might work, it is important to have visual references and look at the onboard of Russell's car during the Las Vegas GP. The main source for this article is the onboard footage of the pole position lap taken by the Mercedes driver during the Q3 session.

It is also very important to emphasise how difficult it is to see this movement from just one frame, which is why it is also recommended watching the official video[1] to better understand this peculiar system.

From this video it is clear that Russell makes an unusual movement when approaching braking zones, in fact common sense and basic principles of gravity will cause a rider to push forward given the g-force from braking but in this clip, it is evident that Driver n.63 is instead pulling backwards his steering wheel[2].


It is important to undestand that this kind of movement, if not precisely dictated by a system, could make a car totally undrivable and dangerous for a driver. It is also evident, by looking the other onboards, that this kind of behaviour by the steering coulumn/steering wheel is not present on any of the rival cars.

 

Why It Matters: Implications for Formula 1

The Las Vegas Grand Prix posed unique challenges due to its nighttime schedule and low ambient temperatures. At around 15°C during the race, far cooler than typical F1 conditions, maintaining optimal tire temperatures was particularly challenging. In such conditions, a system resembling the DAS—potentially allowing for real-time tire temperature and alignment adjustments—could confer a significant advantage. By enabling better grip through corners and reducing drag on straights, such a system could decisively improve lap times and tire longevity on a circuit as demanding as Las Vegas.

George Russell’s dominant victory at Las Vegas reshaped the competitive narrative of the last part of the 2024 season, highlighting the resurgence of Mercedes. However, the suspicion of an irregular system casts a shadow over this triumph. If the allegations are proven true, not only does this jeopardize the Las Vegas result, but it also puts into question the broader championship standings considering the battle between McLaren and Ferrari for the Constructor Championship.

This raises serious concerns for Formula 1. While innovation is a cornerstone of the sport, implementing a solution that skirts regulations, especially after the explicit banning of DAS for 2021, undermines the fairness of competition. This is not the first time such allegations have emerged this season. Past controversies include McLaren’s flexible rear wings during the Azerbaijan GP[3] and speculation over other irregular systems used by Red Bull during the first part of the 2024 season. Each incident has fuelled debates about the clarity and enforcement of FIA regulations.

 

Conclusion

In the end, while onboard footage alone does not definitively prove any wrongdoing by Mercedes, it does provide sufficient grounds to warrant a thorough investigation by the FIA. For this reason, the FIA must demonstrate its ability to investigate and act decisively, reaffirming its commitment to a level playing field. Failure to do so risks alienating fans and stakeholders alike and weakening the foundations of Formula One as a sport where results must be determined by skill and strategy, not regulatory loopholes.


[1] Official F1 onboard video of George Russell Pole Position lap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7N_GVP_CUqA

[2] To understand better this movement, see the above-mentioned video in the time frames (from 00:05 to 00:09 and from 00:18 to 00:27). A slow-motion is suggested.


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