Red Bull Protest Mercedes' DAS System at F1 Opener

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas during practice at the Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria as F1 resumes following the outbreak of the coronavirus, July 3, 2020. (Reuters)
Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas during practice at the Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria as F1 resumes following the outbreak of the coronavirus, July 3, 2020. (Reuters)
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Red Bull Protest Mercedes' DAS System at F1 Opener

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas during practice at the Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria as F1 resumes following the outbreak of the coronavirus, July 3, 2020. (Reuters)
Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas during practice at the Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria as F1 resumes following the outbreak of the coronavirus, July 3, 2020. (Reuters)

Red Bull lodged an official protest against Mercedes at Formula One’s season-opening Austrian Grand Prix on Friday after the champions used a controversial new Dual Axis Steering (DAS) system in practice.

The action concerned the cars of six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton and team mate Valtteri Bottas, with team representatives summoned to stewards at the Red Bull Ring.

Mercedes, who dominated practice with Hamilton fastest in both sessions, were running the system for the first time at a race weekend after it raised questions in pre-season testing.

The governing FIA has said already that DAS will not be allowed next year, despite the cars remaining the same due to new rules being postponed to 2022, but has not banned it for 2020.

“I think the fundamental question for us is ‘does it comply with the regulations in what is a fundamentally grey area?’” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner told reporters.

“We do want clarity on it because it does have an impact regarding the rest of this year. It’s something that’s been outlawed for next year but the question is ‘Is it right for this year?”

DAS allows a driver to change the “toe angle” of the front wheels by pushing and pulling on the steering wheel, rather than just moving it sideways.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said a clarification would be welcome.

“We think we are on the right side. There was a lot of talking and exchange with the FIA, that is the reason why we have it on the car. So we will both bring our arguments forward and then, let’s see,” he added.

“We are aware that we don’t want to end up with a big debate on Sunday night. I think Red Bull, I think Christian is going to take the right actions.

“You know, controversy and different judgement on engineering innovation has always been part of Formula One. This is what’s to be expected in a way. It’s part of the racing.”

Formula One has a long-established process for challenging innovations that exploit loopholes in the rules, with teams making a protest and presenting their arguments.

The stewards then make a ruling, which can in turn be appealed.

Mercedes are chasing a seventh successive title double this season. Red Bull were third overall last year but could be the German manufacturer’s biggest challengers in 2020.



Saudi Arabia and Qatar Gain Home Advantage in Next Asia Qualifiers for 2026 World Cup

File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP
File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP
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Saudi Arabia and Qatar Gain Home Advantage in Next Asia Qualifiers for 2026 World Cup

File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP
File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP

Saudi Arabia and Qatar drew home advantage in the fourth round of Asia qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday.

In October, Qatar will host Group A that also contains the United Arab Emirates and Oman, The Associated Press said.

Saudi Arabia welcomes Iraq and Indonesia into Group B.

The winner of each round-robin group will take Asia’s last two remaining automatic spots at next summer’s tournament, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The teams that finish second will then meet, with the winner progressing to inter-confederation playoffs, which are scheduled for March 2026.

Six teams from Asia secured qualification last month: Japan, Iran, South Korea and Australia have all participated numerous times, while Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their first appearance.