Mercedes used DAS  “more than ever” in cold F1 Eifel GP

Mercedes relied on its Dual Axis Steering system “more than ever” during Formula 1’s Eifel Grand Prix to combat the particularly cold conditions at the Nurburgring.

Race leader Lewis Hamilton and second-placed Max Verstappen both expressed concerns about low tyre temperatures and complained about the slow speed of the Safety Car during a late Safety Car period in Sunday’s race.

Hamilton maintained his lead with a strong restart while Verstappen dropped back after locking up into the final corner, with Hamilton going on to record his 91st career victory in Germany.

Mercedes chief strategist James Vowles explained that the DAS system came in handy at the restart, enabling Hamilton to help get his tyres back up to temperature.

“It is fair to say we used DAS more than ever this weekend,” Vowles said.

“In terms of where we used it in the race it was on the formation lap, but also when we were behind the Safety Car. Where we had a number of laps circulating on tyres that were just getting colder and colder.

“I think it is fair to say DAS was a contributing factor to why our restart was so good and really came into it’s own this weekend.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said directly after the race that he had suspected Mercedes DAS system had given Hamilton a crucial advantage at the restart.

"I think because the Safety Car waited so long for the field to catch up and was going so slowly, the tyre temperature was a big issue," he said.

”And I think that Mercedes with their DAS system are perhaps able to handle that perhaps better than we were, so the restart was a little tricky.”