Maybe to compensate for the inertia of the driver tending to slide forward under braking?
https://streamable.com/e48rq scratch that It changes the toe angle...unbelievable. That can't be legal.
Craig Scarborough Lots of videos now emerging of the Merc steering wheel being moved backward when joining the straight, with some apparent effect at the front wheels, then bring moved forward before braking. It could be just play in the assembly. Perhaps the column also moves the steering rack
10.2.3 No adjustment may be made to any suspension system while the car is in motion. It's illegal as ****, basically.
I can't see how it'll be legal at all. It's moving suspension components...it basically allows them to run more toe (better cornering), which would normally have significantly extra tyre wear, but they straighten it out on the straight, allowing for higher top speed (less mechanical drag) and much lower tyre wear. Brilliant innovation but utter shambles if they allow this.
Good point ,its a lot quicker then coming in and out the pits to alter the toe in no doubt they run all the scenarios in the sim ,then confirm it on track,or not.
Not necessarily illegal when you consider Article 10.4 - Steering (not suspension) 10.4.1 Any steering system which permits the re-alignment of more than two wheels is not permitted. (the intention of this regulation i suppose was to prevent 4 wheel steer!) Clever solution, seen this used before in grass track racing, my guess is it is legal but not in the spirit of the reg's, so long as it passes the safety impact test under 10.4.4
but surely the adjustment is made using track rods...a suspension component. And I think it could (easily) be argued that the adjustment is not made trying to steer the car but rather adjust the geometry to gain an advantage in both straight line and corners.
Mercedes just confirmed it's NOT just for testing and they intend to race it. They call it a different steering ''mode''. unbelievable.
Very trick system...fun stuff Regardless of whether it's ultimately legal or not, top points for clever interpretation and implementation - it's a nice pysch job if nothing else.
If it's changing the wheel alignment then it's not adjusting the suspension it's adjusting the steering. I have no idea whether it's legal or not, but innovation is what F1 should be about.
I would expect protests. The movement of two wheels in the steering reg is meant to allow steering of only two wheels, and not four, but not changing camber and/or toe in separately from the steering geometry. I'd be surprised and disappointed if they allow it.