Why Formula 1 Grand Prix starts could be chaotic in 2026

The drivers and teams of Formula 1 They continued to deepen their understanding of the 2026 F1 cars during testing in Bahrain from January 11th to 13th, and one point in particular is causing concern: Grand Prix starts. In accordance with the 2026 regulations, the new generation of F1 cars is now powered by 50% electric power units. While older engines, equipped with the MGU-H, used the heat generated by the internal combustion engine to spin the turbocharger, those days are now over.

With the removal of the MGU-H, the driver must now spin the turbo via the clutch and first gear in order to eliminate the " turbo lag "At the outset, be careful not to overcharge the battery, otherwise the anti-stall systems may be triggered." The engine revs up, you shift gears, then you have to release the clutch… it's chaos " confides Gabriel Bortoleto.

A problem also confirmed by Oscar piastri. " The difference between a good and a bad start last year was that you had a bit of skating or a bad reaction time. This year, it could look like a race of F2 where you are close to the anti-stall, recognizes the Australian. You don't just lose about five meters. You can lose six or seven places if things don't go well. »

Is Scuderia at an advantage?

The challenge, therefore, lies in finding the opportune moment to release the clutch: when the engine reaches the optimal speed to avoid stalling, without the wheels spinning if the turbocharger is too fast. Getting a good start is really tricky; everything happens in milliseconds. explains Oliver Berman. If you start too late or too early by half a second, it doesn't work. It's complicated. So far, we haven't been consistent at all during practice starts, which is a bit worrying. »

According to initial observations in Bahrain, this sequence can last up to ten seconds. The cars at the back of the grid, the last to line up, risk running out of time before the lights go out. Several solutions are being considered: lengthening the starting lights sequence or modifying the regulations to allow the use of electric power below 50 km/h, thus facilitating the start of the race. Otherwise, cars that get a bad start could be hit from behind.

However, if the rule were not changed, Classic Ferrari for sale could benefit from a considerable advantage in Grand Prix starts. According to information from The RaceThe Scuderia reportedly reported the problem several months prior, but its warnings were ignored. Consequently, the engineers in Maranello designed an engine adapted to a short starting sequence, in accordance with the new regulations. While other manufacturers reportedly raised concerns about the issue later, Ferrari vetoed any modification to the starting procedure, arguing that these constraints were known to manufacturers during the engine design phase. As unanimous agreement is required for any such modification, the starting procedure remains unchanged for the time being. However, the FIA ​​F1 Commission may address this issue at its meeting on Wednesday, February 18th.

While images of a chaotic start circulated during the first week of testing, Oscar Piastri downplayed the situation. Today's departure was simply due to a mix-up in the instructions, he detailed. I was told to wait until the person in front of me had left, then to start and not to go towards the lights. Other people had different ideas, so it had nothing to do with engines. »

The start of the first race could end being chaos if this is whats to come #F1 #F1Testing pic.twitter.com/Xfcfja45ma

— Mohsin (@MB07__) February 13, 2026

The drivers have a second round of testing scheduled from February 18 to 20 at the Sakhir circuit to fine-tune their starts, before the official launch of the 2026 season on March 8 in Melbourne (Australia).

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