Norris warns of 'complications' with F1's new power unit starts

Lando Norris predicts race starts will become a significantly more complex and critical challenge for drivers in the new F1 season due to the increased electrical output of the latest power units. The new 50/50 split between combustion and electrical energy forces drivers to make immediate, high-stakes decisions on energy deployment from the very first moment of a Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Race starts are often decisive for the final result, and mastering the new energy management from a standstill could be the difference between gaining positions or losing them. With overtaking potentially becoming more difficult under the new regulations, as noted by Esteban Ocon, a perfect launch and first-lap energy strategy is more valuable than ever.

The details:

• The 2026-spec power units feature a major boost in electrical energy, creating an even 50/50 balance with the combustion engine.
• Drivers must now carefully manage how they deploy and conserve this electrical energy throughout an entire lap, a key factor in wheel-to-wheel battles.
• Norris explains the complication: using battery to optimize turbo response at the start directly depletes energy needed for the rest of the lap to Turn 1 and beyond.
  • He cites circuits like Mexico, with a long run to the first corner, as places where a driver could "run out of battery by the time you get to Turn 1" if they are too aggressive off the line.
• The previous system allowed for a smoother "bleed" of energy; the new one requires more precise, tactical decisions with immediate consequences.

What's next:

The true impact will be revealed at the season opener in Bahrain, with Norris forecasting "plenty of stars being done"—referring to the on-screen graphic indicating a driver is harvesting energy instead of using it. Teams and drivers will undergo a rapid learning curve to find the optimal start procedure, turning the launch phase into a high-pressure, strategic mini-game within the race itself.