McLaren Demands FIA Action Following Dangerous Start Incident

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has called on the FIA to address a "near-miss" at the start of the Australian Grand Prix, where a slow-starting car created a dangerous speed differential. The incident highlights a broader safety concern under the new 2026 power unit regulations, with drivers also warning of unpredictable speed gaps on straights due to energy management tactics.

Why it matters:

The introduction of new power unit rules has brought unforeseen safety challenges to the forefront. A serious accident during a race start or on an opening lap—when cars are at their closest—could have severe consequences. Proactive regulation is essential to prevent incidents before they occur, rather than reacting after a major crash.

The details:

• The immediate trigger was Liam Lawson's Racing Bulls car, which struggled to launch off the grid with its new power unit, forcing Franco Colapinto to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
• Stella emphasized the need for action, stating, "We can hope for the best, or we can just do something further to make sure that we reduce this speed differential."
• A separate but related danger emerged on the opening laps regarding speed differentials at the end of straights. Drivers employ different energy-saving strategies, with some lifting off early to recharge, creating sudden and unpredictable closing speeds for following cars.
• Lando Norris voiced strong concerns about this, warning it will lead to a "sizeable accident in the near future" if not addressed. Stella echoed this, supporting Norris's view that the sport should not be complacent simply because a disaster hasn't happened yet.

What's next:

The pressure is now on the FIA and Formula 1's technical delegates to analyze these specific incidents and develop solutions. Potential areas for review could include software protocols for race starts to minimize launch failures, or guidelines around energy deployment and lifting points during the initial race laps to reduce erratic speed changes. McLaren's public stance ensures this safety discussion will remain a priority in technical meetings leading up to the next races.