Red Bull keep beady eye on Mercedes over DAS

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has said a close eye is being kept on Mercedes with their potential DAS usage in Austria this weekend.

Mercedes introduced the innovative dual-axis steering system in the pre-season test at Barcelona and is set to be placed back under scrutiny now that Formula 1 has finally returned from its extended hiatus.

Horner said in the lead-up that the controversial topics such as DAS would all come flooding back and it appears Red Bull are ready and waiting to see if they still have grounds to launch an official protest to the FIA.

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“We are waiting to see if it is fitted to their cars,” Horner told Sky Sports F1.

“Obviously it’s a clever system and a complicated one and we’re after some clarification from the FIA as we have some questions about it.”

As for whether Red Bull would consider using DAS themselves if all is above aboard, Horner added: “It depends what it actually does and achieves.

Everything has to earn its place on the car. It’s a clever system but these rules are so complex…it’s just understanding which part of the regulations it fits in to.”

Strict protocols are in place at the Red Bull Ring in order to protect the health and safety of those present within the Formula 1 paddock.

But more surreal for Horner is that the Formula 1 roadshow is Austria for the first race of the season.

“Well we all look like we are in some kind of hospital programme with all the face masks and PPE,” Horner joked.

“But that’s all been practiced and drilled. It’s an FIA stipulation, but other than that working practices are pretty normal.

“This is day one of the season remember so it’s a little bit odd coming here halfway through the year and this effectively being the first day of the year.”

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