Ferrari previously considered developing a similar system to Mercedes’ Dual Axis Steering, team principal Mattia Binotto has revealed.

Mercedes’ DAS system, which allows its drivers to adjust the toe angle of its front wheels by pushing and pulling the steering wheel, was spotted on its car last week. However Binotto said the concept wasn’t completely new to Ferrari.

“The DAS system is something considered in the past but we didn’t design and develop it,” he explained. Ferrari didn’t pursue the idea partly because of concerns over its “legality”, he said.

Ferrari also weren’t sure it would suit their car, said Binotto. “We believed it [would] not work well at least for our car and for our car concept,” he said.

The team has not yet ruled out the possibility of developing its own version of the system this year. “We are looking at what the others are doing,” said Binotto. “At the moment [it’s] really a question mark, not sure we’ll develop it.”

Binotto said he had “no idea” whether the system is entirely hydraulic or incorporates electronic components, and doesn’t have a firm view on whether it complies with the rules.

“We really think it’s difficult for us to judge,” he said. “We don’t know the exact system. But I’m pretty sure FIA will made made the right judgment.”

Read more about DAS in today’s RacingLines column: Why Mercedes could still fight a legality fight after reinventing the steering wheel

Don't miss anything new from RaceFans

Follow RaceFans on social media:

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

2020 F1 season