Mercedes-AMG’s Dual-Axis Steering Exposed!
Reigning Formula One constructors’ champion tests new suspension technology.
Death, taxes and Formula One racing teams trying to gain a competitive advantage are the only certainties in life. On day two of pre-season testing in Barcelona, the Mercedes-AMG team put its new car through its paces. The F1 W11 EQ Performance, which sounds like it was named after a stereo system, being driven by Lewis Hamilton was showing off a rather unique suspension feature. As reported by the folks at Road & Track, the new feature is called “Dual-Axis Steering.” So, what does this system do, and does it comply with the regulations?
Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes-AMG team have enjoyed a fantastic run the last several Formula One seasons and look to be one of the top teams again this year. To be a competitive team you need to constantly evolve and innovate. Sometimes that innovation may include a creative interpretation of the rules. With big changes to the cars and rules coming in 2021, teams want to take advantage of the current regulations while they can.
The “dual-axis steering” (DAS) is operated by the driver pushing or pulling the steering wheel, which in turn, adjusts the toe angle of the front wheels. Just when you thought a Formula One steering wheel couldn’t get more complicated, it gains another function. Adjusting the toe angle by a small fraction that you can barely perceive at full speed may not seem like much. However, being able to do this during the course of a race can have significant advantages. Before diving into a corner, the driver can adjust the toe for better turn-in. And, when blasting down the straight, they can adjust it again for more stability and decreased tire wear.
Formula One has a notoriously long list of sporting and technical regulations in an effort to keep the playing field level. So, is the Mercedes-AMG DAS legal? On the surface, it appears unlikely, as no suspension changes are allowed while the car is in motion. Adjusting toe angle while going 170 MPH down the front straight certainly seems to run afoul of that rule. Naturally, the team feels differently. Mercedes designer James Allison said that he is confident the new system complies with the rules. Turns out he’s right.
As reported by Motorsport.com, the FIA confirmed that DAS will be allowed to run during the 2020 season, but will be banned from 2021 onward. It will be interesting to see how that plays out on the track. Formula One specializes in extremely tight tolerances. Tire pressures set to fractions of a PSI. Pit stops measured in tenths of seconds. Lap times to hundredths of a second. Everyone looking to eke out that last quarter of a drop of performance from their car and their team. Will DAS mean that Mercedes-AMG will dominate the 2020 season? That remains to be seen, however, there is one thing we can be sure of. If DAS appears to offer an advantage, there will be nine other teams scrambling to develop their own version, if they are not already.
Photos: Mercedes-AMG; Formula One
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