Speed and Statutes: How Legal Loopholes Fuel F1’s Greatest Innovations

 [1]

Formula 1 (“F1”), the highest echelon of global motorsports, has created a unique display blending ingenuity, engineering, and mechanical design. However, unlike any other sport, underlying all the design limitations exists a rigid legislative set of regulations acting as the true backbone of F1. Established by the governing body of F1 – the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (“FIA”)– these regulations govern all aspects of the sport, from the legality of car designs to drivers' contracts to the intellectual property of every nut, bolt, and bit of data. While drivers meticulously scrutinize every inch of the track to find milliseconds which can dictate a win, whole seasons and championships have been won and lost due to the litigation of team attorneys.  Legal teams get no trophies but are the silent heroes of the track and without their understanding of exhaustive regulations, no podium would count. They aren't showered in champagne but remain among the most critical components of the team. 

Mercedes’ Loophole: The D.A.S. System 

No other sport requires the carefully cultivated blend of technological innovation, human achievement, and legal support. Yet, all are irreplaceable in achieving success in the paddock. At the height of their dominance, the Mecedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team (“Mercedes”) noticed a loophole in the regulations which they used to develop a game-changing innovation.[2] The Dual Axis Steering (“DAS”) system allowed Mercedes drivers to push in and pull out their steering wheel. The DAS system adjusts the angle of the tires to allow more grip in the corners, straight-line speed, and less wear on the tires throughout the entire race.[3] Tip-toeing on the edge of legality, the DAS system sat in the grey space of regulations governing the overlap between steering systems and the suspension.[4]

The FIA's analysis of the Mercedes system focuses on regulations Article 10.2.3 ("No adjustment may be made to any suspension system while the car is in motion)[5] and Article 10.4.1 ("Any steering system which permits the re-alignment of more than two wheels is not permitted.")[6] Keen-eyed legal representatives at Mercedes quickly realized a way to exploit this gap in the regulations through the distinct and unique design of the DAS system and its interaction with the rest of the car.

First, they were able to argue the DAS system was an adjustment to the steering and not an adjustment to the suspension as it was connected to the same central mechanism as the steering system.[7] Additionally, the DAS system only effected the alignment of the front two wheels rendering its application in full compliance with all legal and technical regulations.6 Up until the recent success of Redbull Racing (“Redbull”), Mercedes had an apparent stronghold on F1 dominance, evident through their over 120 race wins, 8 Constructors' Championships, and 7 World Drivers' Championships since its return to the grid in 2010.[8]

The 2020 Mercedes implementing the DAS system came at the pinnacle of their performance, bringing home the checkered flag for over three-quarters of the season. While world class drivers and some of the best strategists aided in their success, the DAS system was a clear advantage over their competitors.[9] Following the inevitable protests from many teams in the paddock, the FIA ruled that the DAS system was legal within the regulations, while expressing their intentions to ban the system in future seasons.[10] Mercedes' innovative implementation of the DAS system is a clear example of how a diligent interpretation of the regulations can push the boundaries and exploiting the grey areas across broad technical regulations. This serves to show how teams can and will utilize every means possible to gain even a millisecond advantage on the track. 

McLaren’s “Mini-DRS”

Success in F1 ebbs and flows at drastic rates, with McLaren Formula 1 Team’s (“McLaren’s”) current rise to form indicating how fast things can derail or come together. While the start of the 2023 season saw McLaren struggling in last place, they would end the 2024 season winning the constructors championship seemingly turning things around overnight. Unfortunately, rising to the top only encouraged other teams to claw at every chance to drag McLaren back down.  

This reaping for McLaren began following their win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where on-board videos of their car showed the rear wing flexing on the straights, creating a small gap in the wing mimicking a quasi-DRS (Drag Reduction System) leading to increased speed on the straight segments of the track.[11] The wing was designed to then return to its normal position through the corner turns, increasing downforce and grip.[12] Perpetrated by rival Red Bull Racing, McLaren’s wing and its legality was heavily scrutinized. Testing by the FIA found the McLaren wing passed all flexibility standards and fully complied with the regulations.[13]

Battling wheel to wheel with one of the most successful teams in the sport’s history demands teams to push the boundaries. Here, McLaren’s legal and aerodynamic team exploited the vagueness of the FIAs regulations on rear wings to their advantage. When asked his opinion about this innovation, McLaren driver, Lando Norris, stated “So now I'm proud, I'm happy with what the team are doing – they're pushing the limits and that's what you've got to do if you want to fight at the top and fight against people who are also known for doing such things and exploring every area possible… I'm more proud of the team for pushing every single area that we can.”[14]

Inevitably, McLaren’s design came at a critical point of the season allowing them to continue their advantage over Red Bull and Scuderia Ferrari (“Ferrari”) resulting in McLaren’s first Constructors Championship win since 1998. Following McLaren’s “mini-DRS,” the FIA would go on to change Article 3.10.1.c and 3.10.10 for the 2025 technical regulations tightening the legal restrictions of teams’ rear wings.[15]

Looking Ahead

As F1 demands its constructors to go beyond the limits of innovation and speed on the track, success can hinge on the bold engineering designs made possible from legal gaps interwoven throughout the FIA’s regulations. Whether it be Brawn GP’s double diffuser, McLaren’s F-duct, or most recently, the Mercedes DAS system and McLaren’s mini-DRS, F1 has often been shaped by daring designs such as these proving wins can come from more than simply pace, but also a deep understanding of the nuanced regulations.

This coexistence between technological innovation and legislative structure has and will continue to benefit the sport. Teams seeking any means possible to gain an edge over their competition will continue increasing the competitive nature steeped throughout the paddock. This pressure has driven F1 engineers, lawyers, and aerodynamicists to continuously adapt, leading to an entertainment spectacle cemented in judicial ingenuity that has kept F1 the leader in cutting-edge motorsport and automotive design. As the sport continues to evolve, the future seasons are expected to be as exhilarating as they are unpredictable.

Chris Costa (deputy editor-in-chief) is a 1L from Suffern, New York. At Villanova, he is currently a 1L Representative and Co-Philanthropy Chair for the Sports Law Society. Chris is a lifelong Giants fan and a die-hard McLaren F1 fan. Following graduation he hopes to work as either an in house counsel within the NFL or motorsport or as an agent in sports and entertainment.

References:

[1] Rizzo, G. (2025, February 4). F1 2020 - Mercedes. Flickr

[2] Radovanovic, U. (2023a, December 3). DAS Uncovered: Exploring the genius behind Mercedes’ banned innovation. PlanetF1. 

[3] Id.

[4] Edmondson, L. (2020, February 21). Mercedes’ Das system: What is it? and is it a 2020 game-changer? ESPN.

[5] Noble, J. (2020, February 20). Why the FIA believes Mercedes’ Das system is legal. Motorsport.com.

[6] Id.

[7] Id. 

[8] Wikimedia Foundation. (2025, January 5). Mercedes-Benz in Formula One. Wikipedia.

[9] Radovanovic, U. (2023a, December 3). DAS Uncovered: Exploring the genius behind Mercedes’ banned innovation. PlanetF1.

[10] Id.

[11] Filisetti, P. (2024, September 17). McLaren’s controversial F1 rear wing explained. RacingNews365.

[12] PlanetF1. Benson, A. (2024, September 19). FIA says McLaren rear wing complies with rules after Red Bull raised questions about legality. BBC Sport.

[13] Id.

[14] Kalinauckas, A., & Mann-Bryans, M. (2024, September 19). Norris 'Proud’ of McLaren’s mini-DRS effect created Baku Intrigue. Motorsport.com.

[15] Maher, T. (2024, December 13). FIA take McLaren “mini-drs” rear wing action in Forbidden rule update. PlanetF1.