If Mercedes use DAS in Melbourne, Red Bull Racing "will protest"

Mercedes' duel-axis steering system ruled the waves during Formula 1's pre-season testing in Barcelona, and it looks likely to rumble on as Aston Martin Red Bull Racing look set to challenge the legality of the new system. Helmut Marko confirmed that the team will protest the innovation.

Eyebrows were raised when both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas were pushing and pulling the steering wheel forwards and backwards along the straights in Barcelona. Some teams shrugged it off as something that won't really add much time, while others looked further into the system.

Marko was adamant the system was illegal, and he reports the team will take those thoughts to the next level when the action gets underway in Australia.

"From our perspective, the system does not comply with the rules. So we will protest when Mercedes uses the system in Melbourne. Our lawyers are checking whether the DAS system is legal," Marko told Germany's Auto Bild and Auto Motor und Sport.