The DAS was protested by Red Bull Racing after practice on Friday, claiming it had an aerodynamic influence and that it was a suspension system, rather than a steering.
After an investigation, FIA delegates sided with Mercedes and rejected the protest, having decreed that DAS should be classified as a management system.
Subsequently, Mercedes dominated the qualification, more than half a second from the closest challenge, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
“It wasn’t a concern for me because I had talked to James [Allison] and the whole team and I trusted the team implicitly, “Hamilton said.” And then I knew that he was comfortable with our position and that the big idea was legal, so there were no problems.
“It is something you can feel, the adjustments you can make, you feel it, and I think it has obviously been shown to be completely legal.
“And it’s something we’re proud of, and we’re still trying to get past it in terms of understanding it, so it’s not been used in large numbers, but I think we’ll understand it more and more as we go. Through.”
Bottas endorsed Hamilton’s views and also downplayed his contribution to the team’s current form.
“I really didn’t expect to have anything in the car that was illegal at the beginning of the weekend,” said the Finn.
“So I guess the team was prepared to have some issues with other teams that they think is illegal, but obviously I am confident that we don’t have anything illegal in the car, so I had no worries at any time.”
“I think there is probably even more potential depending on the tracks and conditions, but yes, we have been using it and it is also becoming quite natural.
“Obviously it’s not a huge thing in terms of performance, but every little thing helps, and when we put together a lot of little things it can be big.”
Verstappen acknowledged that it would be difficult for his team to replicate the system within this season.
“With such a short schedule it would be difficult to implement, but let’s see,” said the Dutchman. “I would like to see a lot of things in the car, but you just have to be realistic.”
When asked about the failed protest, he said, “Well, isn’t it really up to me to judge that? I leave that to the team. Nor am I the one who protests, I am only focused on going around ”.
