Oscar Piastri warns F1 drivers could lose six places at 2026 starts

F1 drivers could lose "six or seven" positions off the starting line in 2026 due to significant turbo lag issues, prompting urgent calls for the sport to address the problem before the Australian Grand Prix. The removal of the MGU-H from the power units has fundamentally altered the launch procedure, creating a complex and potentially chaotic situation that could overshadow the racing.

Why it matters:

Race starts are a critical and dramatic moment in any Grand Prix, setting the tone for the entire event. If the current issues persist, they could lead to unpredictable and potentially dangerous shuffling of the order at the beginning of races, undermining competitive integrity and driver safety. This technical challenge threatens to become the dominant story of the early 2026 season if not resolved.

The details:

• The core problem stems from the 2026 power unit regulations, which have eliminated the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat). This component previously helped mitigate turbo lag at lower engine speeds, allowing for smoother and more controlled launches.
• Without the MGU-H, drivers now face a much longer and more complicated process to get their cars into the optimal configuration for a race start, increasing the risk of a botched launch.
• Drivers have compared the potential outcome to Formula 2's anti-stall incidents, where a car can dramatically bog down, losing not just a few meters but multiple grid positions instantly.
• The issue was highlighted during pre-season testing in Bahrain, where practice starts left many drivers concerned. George Russell described the process as "not straightforward," while Esteban Ocon pointed directly to the "very big topic" of turbo lag.

What's next:

The matter is set to be a key discussion point at the upcoming F1 Commission meeting, where potential solutions will be debated.

• One area of focus is the start light procedure itself. Changes could include implementing a minimum time or extending the delay for the final car to form up on the grid, giving all drivers more time to prepare their complex launch sequences.
• Teams and drivers are actively working to understand the new requirements, with Oscar Piastri admitting that no one is yet certain of the exact procedure for a perfect start. The window between now and the season opener in Melbourne will be crucial for finding a workable solution.
• Beyond starts, drivers have also flagged that overtaking will be "certainly different" under the new regulations, indicating that 2026 will require a significant adaptation from everyone in the sport.