F1 drivers fear 'messy' race starts under 2026 regulations

Formula 1 drivers are warning that race starts could become chaotic under the 2026 technical regulations, with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto describing the new launch procedure as "quite a mess." The core issue is the removal of the MGU-H, which previously helped instantly spool the turbo, forcing drivers to manually manage turbo lag for up to 10 seconds before the lights go out.

Why it matters:

Race starts are one of the most critical and visible moments in F1, often deciding the outcome within the first corner. A procedure deemed overly complicated and inconsistent increases the risk of stalled cars, wheelspin, and collisions, turning the start into a lottery rather than a skill-based contest. This could unfairly penalize drivers and undermine the spectacle for fans.

The details:

• The 2026 power units will lack the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat), a component that previously kept the turbo spinning at optimal speed for an instant launch.
• Drivers must now manually "spool" the turbo themselves, a process that can take up to 10 seconds, by holding higher engine revs on the grid or using battery energy from the MGU-K.
• This creates a delicate balance: too many revs cause wheelspin; too few cause the engine to bog down or trigger anti-stall.
• Electrical deployment from the battery is delayed until the car reaches 50 km/h (31 mph), placing the entire initial launch burden on the mechanical engine and perfect clutch-throttle coordination.
• Valtteri Bottas highlighted the added complication for drivers starting at the back, questioning if there's even enough time during the start sequence to properly prepare the turbo before the lights go out.

What's next:

While drivers like Nico Hulkenberg expect teams to develop solutions and procedures to manage the challenge, the early races of the 2026 season are likely to be a learning phase with potential for high-profile mistakes. The FIA and teams will closely monitor start-line incidents, and the procedure itself could become a point of contention and potential adjustment if it proves too problematic for consistent and safe race starts.