FIA Evaluates Critical Start Procedure Risks
Formula 1 is once again considering potential changes to the starting procedure, despite previous proposals being blocked by Ferrari, The Race reports. The main reason for renewed discussion is safety: starting the new-generation cars has become significantly more complex. Drivers must correctly spool up the turbo and monitor battery charge, and this preparation takes around ten seconds.
Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto explained: “This 10-second phase is very demanding. You have to watch the revs, engage the gear, release the clutch it’s easy to get confused. Last year it was much simpler.” During testing, many teams encountered difficulties, and the Bahrain paddock is already discussing the possible dangers at the start when a car accelerates noticeably slower than others.
In 2026, with the introduction of new power units, another issue arises: will drivers, especially those starting from the back, have enough time to prepare their turbos before the lights go out? Valtteri Bottas of Cadillac, who must serve a grid penalty for an incident in Abu Dhabi last December, will drop five places on the grid for the Australian Grand Prix. “If I end up on the back row, will I have enough time to spool up the turbo before the start lights?” the Finn noted.
According to The Race, many drivers and team representatives believe the issue must be addressed at the FIA level. A meeting of the Formula 1 Commission is scheduled for Wednesday. Two options are being considered: increasing the minimum time between the moment the last car reaches its grid slot and the start sequence, or lifting restrictions on battery deployment at the start, which would eliminate the need to pre-spool the turbo.
Earlier in the summer, discussions were blocked by Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur, who argued that the “turbo lag” problem was well known during the development of the new power units. In his view, Ferrari’s engineers have already implemented a solution that minimizes this effect, meaning the team does not face significant starting issues.
