FIA rejects Red Bull protest of Mercedes DAS system!

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The FIA stewards of the Austrian Grand Prix have dismissed a protest filed by Red Bull against Mercedes' innovative DAS system, insisting the complaint is "not founded".

The German outfit used its Dual Active Steering device in free practice on Friday, but Red Bull officially contested the system which helps Mercedes' drivers increase front tyre temperatures by tweaking toe settings, arguing that it contravened the technical rules which state that "no adjustment may be made to any suspension system while the car is in motion".

Representatives from Red Bull and Mercedes met with the Austrian Grand Prix stewards on Friday evening, but at 12:31 am local time, the stewards issued a statement in which they threw out Red Bull's protest.

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While Red Bull tech boss Adrian Newey contended that the DAS device was part of the Mercedes W11's front suspension and allowed for driver movement to alter the car's aerodynamics, the stewards dismissed the argument.

"The Stewards consider DAS to be a legitimate part of the steering system and hence to satisfy the relevant regulations regarding suspension or aerodynamic influence," the stewards’ report concluded.

"In the opinion of the Stewards, the DAS system is physically and functionally a part of the steering system.

"As such, it benefits of the implicit exceptions to certain suspension regulations applicable to steering."

Mercedes will subsequently be allowed to use its system this weekend, but the ruling could also equate to a green light for Red Bull to implement its own DAS device, the concept of which is likely sitting on a drawing board at Milton Keynes and ready to be implemented on the team's RB16.

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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.