Red Bull lodges formal protest against Mercedes' DAS

Red Bull is already attempting to rain on Mercedes' parade in Austria, with the Milton Keynes-based squad formally protesting as expected the legality of Mercedes' DAS system.

The innovative Dual Axis Steering device that allows Mercedes' drivers to tweak the toe-in settings of their car has been banned for the 2021 season but is permitted under this year's regulations.

Red Bull wants FIA clarification over Mercedes' use of DAS

However, Red Bull isn't convinced the ingenious ploy, which was used by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in free practice on Friday, is legal.

Representatives of Red Bull and Mercedes will meet with the Austrian GP stewards on Friday evening to discuss the matter.

Red Bull's main bone of contention relates to Article 10.2.3 of the technical regulations that specifies that "no adjustment may be made to any suspension system while the car is in motion".

But the focus will also be on Article 3.8 of the regulations which states that "any specific part of the car influencing its aerodynamic performance must comply with the rules relating to bodywork" and "must be rigidly secured to the entirely sprung part of the car (rigidly secured means not having any degree of freedom)".

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.