No. It hasn't been proven that it specifically improves lap times. Now, that doesn't mean a few experiments might be in order. But, until it's seen under race conditions it's only speculation that it improves the car. Winter testing doesn't mean much.
I don't think so. With the season growing shorter from Virus (potential) cancelations, it might be easier to just race with what you've got. If there is a 2021 season, that is where the development money will be going. And with all new cars, now would be the time to lobby for more free testing during the off season.
I said NO. To add DAS on a car, probably it would be necessary to redesign the whole front suspension. Although with the cancellation of the early events there could be time to do it, there would be no testing before the first race. Also, there is the cost factor. The time and money spent on DAS cannot be carried over for next year.
Has it been proven: no Has the only car with it run heads and shoulders faster than everyone else: Probably Would that car have run heads and shoulders faster without DAS: unknown. The improvement in in tire life, or tire grip (depending on how it is used.) a) Getting rid of scrub (toe neutral) means that the car is faster on the straights without giving anything up in the corners--AND getting longer tire life or cooler tires. b) Having plenty of scrub (to out) is good for mid corner traction--using tire life where it is best utilized.
C)Neutral toe at 180mph on a long straight may actually be dangerous? D) Shifting toe +/- at F! speeds can be dangerous as well especially if done in the heat of battle. I wonder if whole new book on drivers excuses is looming. "Yeah i should have pushed instead i pulled!! best Tony
They could spend a bit of time looking into designing a DAS system while also adding toe change to the simulator to see if there is any real gain from it. With all those engineers not getting data from races to analyze there should be some time left to play around with this. That said, I think only red bull and ferrari would bring it to the actual track, the rest of the teams have other priorities as a lack of racing will likely mean less funds.
With 2020 regulations extended through 2021 there is the opportunity to spend time developing the DAS.
Depends if it is still going to be allowed from next year (if at all) meanwhile https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/03/21/mclaren-still-switching-to-mercedes-power-in-2021/
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-das-fia-outlawed-2021/4775355/ Pretty logical from them so to be sure to be alone in having the advantage this year and get fewer protests from whom didn’t want to develop it in either way
Even if DAS as currently developed is banned, F1 is so filled with clever engineers that most will have some additional control over toe next year via the steering wheel directly, outfitted so that the new system appears to obey the spirit of the suspension rules. Toe change from straight to turns is almost guaranteed.
The engineers can work from home for sure. But having a skeleton crew at the factory is just not a good idea. Everyone took things lightly in Europe, and look at the situation now.
I doubt anyone is going to spend money until they know for sure what is going to happen this year and next. I wonder if the "act of God" clauses in the drivers contracts allow the teams not to pay them?
I changed my mind. I do think Ferrari will try to copy it. They have so much spare time and they have a slow car, I bet they are rebuilding the thing. AFAIK as long as the tub remains the same, you can do that since the time for the crash tests is over (assuming they still do them).
Ferrari were just one step behind Mercedes on DAS : https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-how-ferrari-were-just-one-step-behind-mercedes-on-das.6DHz6V9YShf99v2cMFjHD4.html?fbclid=IwAR3SDdudspI0RHIlXDYVnzLQUHNZI1bVJFQGkdVT3Hs_7vS8_vVELHDSUkM
https://www.planetf1.com/news/das-too-difficult-for-mercedes/ Mercedes technical boss, James Allison, has spoken about how the DAS system came to fruition and how the FIA thought they had made it too difficult to implement.
All eyes will be on DAS this weekend ,will R Bull protest it ,if so would the Stewards agree with the FIA?