Following the Bahrain pre-season tests, Formula 1’s 2026 era is already facing its first major safety debate. Between difficult turbo management, aerodynamic risks, and race starts described as “a recipe for disaster,” the FIA is preparing urgent action to ensure that the debut of the new regulations does not turn into a safety issue as early as Melbourne.
Start procedure change: no straight-line mode off the grid
Discussions over start safety have led to a significant change of direction. After granting drivers five extra seconds to prepare their turbo systems before the start, the FIA addressed a second key issue: the use of active aerodynamic straight-line mode at the launch.
The concern was clear. Starting grids are often located within activation zones, meaning drivers could theoretically launch with low-drag wing settings. While this would increase top speed, it would also drastically reduce downforce at one of the most critical moments of the race.
“A group of 22 cars with a couple of hundred points less aerodynamic load sounds like a recipe for disaster to me,” explained Oscar Piastri.
Teams have therefore agreed to ban the use of straight-line aerodynamic mode from the grid to the first corner. Formal ratification will come from the FIA, but the political agreement has already been reached.
“I think there was a common agreement, in terms of using straight-line mode from the grid to the first corner, not to use it. Although this still needs to be ratified in some way by the FIA, my understanding is that there is a general agreement among all participants,” confirmed Andrea Stella.
Risks remain: unpredictable launches and major power unit differences
Despite the procedural change, race starts remain a major concern under the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. Differences between power units — with Ferrari appearing particularly effective — could create significant variations in launch performance between cars.
“I think we have great potential, but to win a race you also need to start well. The two starts I did this week were worse than my worst start in F1. Lewis, who was in P11, ended up in P1.
At this stage, I don’t think outright speed is the main factor. The thing that will trip you up will be the biggest obstacle, and that’s what we’re trying to understand right now. And yes, at the moment we’re tripping over some obstacles,” said George Russell.
“It’s creating a situation where everyone has the opportunity to prepare their power unit. However, we still see a notable disparity in start performance. In a way, the concern — based on what we observed in testing — has not necessarily been resolved,” Stella added.
Formula 1 is moving quickly to reduce the risks associated with 2026 race starts, eliminating straight-line mode at launch and refining preparation procedures. However, the differences between power units and the complexity of the new hybrid systems continue to create uncertainty.
Melbourne will serve as the first real test. Safety measures have been strengthened, but variability remains a factor that could dramatically shape the run to the first corner in the opening race of the new era.
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