F1 Driver Raises Alarm Over 'Strange' 2026 Car Start Issues

Esteban Ocon has voiced significant concerns about the 'strange' and potentially problematic race starts for Formula 1's new 2026 cars, highlighting that drivers could face waits of over 90 seconds on the grid before launching. The issue, stemming from the removal of the MGU-H from the power unit, is expected to create far greater disparities between cars at the start and could lead to dangerous situations with cold tires into the first corner.

Why it matters:

Race starts are a critical, high-stakes moment in any Grand Prix. A fundamental change that makes them unpredictable and slow could undermine the on-track spectacle and safety, turning a key moment of competition into a procedural waiting game. If not addressed, it risks handing race outcomes to engineering quirks rather than driver skill at the lights.

The details:

• The core problem is the return of significant turbo lag. With the MGU-H—which helped spool the turbo—now removed, the turbo takes much longer to reach optimal revs for a launch.
• Ocon described the experience as "very strange," noting that in Bahrain testing, the grip was too low to properly practice starts, masking the full extent of the issue.
• He warned that the consequences will be more severe: "You’re going to see a lot more struggling at the start and far bigger differences compared to previous years, where the worst start was losing one or two positions, now you can lose the whole lot."
• Beyond lost positions, Ocon pointed to a serious safety concern: "It wouldn’t be nice... for the top three to be waiting something like one minute and 30 seconds before the cars stop, heading into Turn 1 with cold tyres."
• George Russell suggested that Ferrari's 2026 power unit, with its specific turbo configuration, might be better positioned to handle this new challenge, potentially giving the Scuderia an early advantage.

What's next:

Teams are actively working on software and engineering solutions to mitigate the turbo lag and improve launch procedures. However, with the 2026 cars still in early testing phases, this start issue will remain a primary focus for development. The FIA may also need to review procedures, such as the formation lap or grid hold time, if the problem persists as a genuine safety or sporting concern. How effectively each team solves this puzzle could define early competitive order in the 2026 season.