Lawson Urges FIA Action on 2026 Safety Concerns After Near-Miss

Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson has called on the FIA to address safety concerns stemming from the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations, following a near-miss at the start of the Australian Grand Prix. He highlighted the unpredictability of race starts and the potentially dangerous speed differentials created by the new energy recovery and Straight-Line Mode (SLM) systems as key areas of risk.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations represent the most significant technical overhaul in a generation, and early teething problems are expected. However, drivers are now vocalizing concrete safety fears, suggesting the current state of play could lead to a major accident. Their feedback puts direct pressure on the FIA to decide whether to implement mid-season fixes or allow teams to adapt through development, a decision with significant implications for on-track action and driver safety.

The details:

• Lawson's warning follows a dramatic incident in Melbourne where he had a slow launch off the grid, nearly causing a high-speed collision with the Williams of Franco Colapinto, who took evasive action.
• Race Start Procedure: The new start sequence, which includes a longer pre-start configuration for the complex hybrid engines, has led to inconsistent getaways. Lawson described the process as "very complicated" and stated starts are currently "quite dangerous."
• Energy Management Dangers: Beyond starts, drivers point to the hazards created by varying energy states during the race. The use of battery overtake modes, lift-and-coast, and SLM—where wings open on straights to reduce drag—creates large and unpredictable closing speeds between cars.
• Driver Consensus: Lawson's concerns echo those of Carlos Sainz, who warned a "big crash" is inevitable if issues persist, specifically criticizing SLM use in high-speed corners as "a plaster on top of a plaster."
• The Current Reality: Lawson noted energy management strategies are inconsistent across teams, making it difficult for drivers to anticipate the behavior of the car ahead, especially when following closely with SLM engaged.

What's next:

The ball is now in the FIA's court. The governing body has already made minor tweaks to the start procedure, as noted in China, indicating they are monitoring the situation. Lawson made it clear the drivers' role is to provide feedback, but the decision to implement changes rests solely with the regulators.

• The sport will continue to learn and adapt as the season progresses, with teams developing their understanding of the new powertrains and energy management.
• However, the explicit safety warnings from multiple drivers increase the likelihood of further regulatory interventions, especially if another close call occurs. The upcoming races at high-speed venues will be a critical test.