2020 Winter Testing One

[Nitrodaze]

First controversy (sort of), the Mercedes Trombone steering wheel. It appears to be legit too. Thankfully, innovation in F1 is not dead yet.

Mercedes calls this thing; DAS, which stands for Dual Axis Steering. Nicknamed the Trombone Steering by Sky's Ted Kravitz. How it seems to work is this; in normal driving position, it keeps the toe of the wheels pointing outwards, which is supposed to give better corning dynamics. If the driver pulls the steering wheel towards themselves, the DAS turns the toe of the wheels inwards. Which gives the car better straightline dynamics.

It looks like one of those things that coulds be an edge over the rest of the field. And the moaning shall begin in earnest shortly as the news of this device sinks into the heads along the paddock properly over the next day or so.

That said, there has not been any indication of how effective it is at enhancing performance or driveability.


Racing Point is looking very promising. Renault seems like they might surprise everyone this year. The fight for fourth is going to be fierce this season. Williams is looking like they have made a step forward. How far forward we shall see in Melborne. Ferrari is looking pensive. Redbull are looking fiesty.

Haas and Alfa Tauri, still cautious. Alfa Romeo looking solid.

By the look of things so far, it is looking like the midfield is going to be even tighter this season.

Fastest lap of Testing one so far; Mercedes W11 (Lewis Hamilton) - 1:16:976s (Hard Tyres)