FIA Tightens Start Rules for 2026 Season

Ahead of the 2026 season, the starting procedure is drawing increasing debate, as drivers are still adapting to the new cars and power units, which operate in a markedly different manner. After the Bahrain tests, the FIA extended the mandatory pre-start period from 10 to 15 seconds to allow drivers sufficient time to spool up the turbo and avoid dangerous turbo-lag during the initial acceleration.

However, the adjustments do not end there. Straight Mode the low-drag configuration in which the front and rear wings are set to their flattest positions will now be prohibited at race starts. Although its use was initially permitted, many drivers considered the idea excessively risky. Oscar Piastri stated directly: “When 22 cars launch with minimal downforce, that is a recipe for trouble.”

According to The Race, the teams have already reached a collective agreement to remove Straight Mode from the starting procedure, and the updated regulations are expected to be implemented before the Australian Grand Prix. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella confirmed that consensus has been achieved, with only formal FIA ratification remaining.