Mercedes introduced DAS, an innovative steering solution that allows drivers to adjust the angle of the car’s feet from the cab, in pre-season testing, creating intrigue in the paddock.
Many of Mercedes’ rivals were known to be questioning the legality of the system, while Red Bull was planning a protest in Australia before the race was canceled.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said earlier today that he was seeking clarification from the FIA about the DAS, but remained shy about whether the team would file a formal protest.
The FIA has announced that Red Bull has filed a formal protest against the Mercedes cars driven by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in practice on Friday at the Red Bull Ring.
Both drivers were seen to use DAS in their cars through practice when Mercedes reached a 1-2 finish in both sessions.
Mercedes and Red Bull will meet with FIA delegates in Austria at 7:10 pm local time on Friday.
The commissioners’ ruling cites an alleged violation of articles 3.8 and 10.2.3 of the technical regulations, the latter being the reason for the planned protest in relation to the suspension of the car.
Article 10.2.3 states that “no adjustment may be made to any suspension system while the car is in motion.”
Article 3.8 of the regulations deals with aerodynamic influence, stating that “any specific part of the car that influences its aerodynamic performance must comply with the rules related to the bodywork” and “must be rigidly secured to the fully suspended part of the car (rigidly secured means not having any degree of freedom) “.
The regulation added: “With the exception of the adjustable driver’s body described in Article 3.6.8 (in addition to the minimum parts associated only with its performance) and the parts described in Articles 11.4, 11.5 and 11.6, any specific part of the car that influences its aerodynamic performance must remain stationary in relation to the spring part of the car. “
DAS has already been banned for the 2021 season under planned technical regulations.
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