Spielberg (Austria), Jul 4 (IANS): Red Bull have lost their appeal against Mercedes for the latter's dual assistant steering (DAS) system that they are looking to use this season.

"DAS is part of the steering system, albeit not a conventional one," Formula 1 governing body FIA said in a statement. "The key challenges to the legality of the DAS rely on it not being part of the steering system. If this were indeed the case, then it would be breaching (regulations)."

DAS helps in significantly reducing tire wear and gives the Mercedes cars advantage over corners. It distributes heat more evenly along straight stretches by allowing the driver to make adjustments in the wheel alignment. The advantage has been significant with topping the practice sessions in opening round at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

Following this Red Bull lodged a protest regarding an alleged breach of the Technical Regulations, specifically article 3.8 which refers to aerodynamic influence and article 10.2.3, which states "no adjustment may be made to any suspension system while the car is in motion".

The result means that Mercedes can continue to run the system, a version of which their rivals could now look to adapt through the course of the season. It will however be banned from the 2021 season.