Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have jointly dismissed widespread concerns regarding the safety of race starts under the new 2026 Formula 1 regulations following the second pre-season test. Despite many drivers expressing unease and labeling the starts as “borderline unsafe,” the two rivals emphasized that the revised procedures are not dangerous, instead urging a shift in perception.
Several drivers previously compared the new starts unfavorably, with Verstappen joking it resembled “Formula E on steroids,” and Sergio Perez making similar remarks. However, both Hamilton and Verstappen now downplay the criticisms, focusing on the altered nature of the race initiation instead of potential hazards.
Lewis Hamilton Explains the Changes in Starting Procedure
Lewis Hamilton acknowledged that the race start process has evolved significantly, involving a longer waiting period before drivers can launch. He clarified that this delay, which requires drivers to remain stationary even after the five red lights go out, does not equate to increased danger.
“It is definitely not dangerous, and I think we should probably take that connotation away from it, just because it is a different procedure, It is just a longer procedure than it has been in the past, so right now, if you put the five lights up, we would all still be standing there when the lights went out for a little bit longer, but you can still pull away without the turbo going.”
Hamilton’s reassurance aims to counter fears among drivers and fans who have been unsettled by the unfamiliar starting sequence.
Max Verstappen Offers a Lighthearted Perspective on Starting Safety
Joining the conversation, Max Verstappen added a humorous note, suggesting that drivers uneasy about the new start should opt to begin the race from the pit lane. According to Verstappen, those starting behind would not be at a significant disadvantage as they would catch the pack by the fourth corner, despite the altered regulations.
“You should start in the pit lane if you feel unsafe. You’ll catch up by Turn 4 anyway to the back of the pack.”
Verstappen’s comment subtly underscores his confidence in the new regulations and his readiness to adapt swiftly to their demands.
Concerns Raised by Valtteri Bottas Over Rear-Grid Drivers’ Challenges
Valtteri Bottas highlighted a specific issue the revised start procedure poses for drivers placed at the back of the grid. The need to hold engine revs longer to spin up the turbo causes a timing challenge, as drivers might struggle to synchronize their engine spooling with the five-light sequence, potentially placing them at a disadvantage.
“We’ve got to figure something out for that because my only concern is that if you are at the back of the grid for the race start, once you start holding your revs, the lights will already start going, and you won’t have enough time to get the turbo spinning. But it is only an issue for drivers at the back, but we will find solutions, and I don’t see any element of danger in just having longer rev holds.”
Bottas’s comments acknowledge a technical hurdle for some competitors yet align with Hamilton and Verstappen’s views that the new procedure is not inherently unsafe.
Implications and Outlook for the 2026 F1 Season
As the 2026 regulations introduce a fresh competitive landscape, drivers and teams alike face the challenge of adapting to changes on several fronts, including race starts. The uncertainty surrounding which teams will emerge as front-runners adds to the season’s intrigue, with the potential for unexpected performances early on.
This evolution signifies a pivotal moment in Formula 1, offering opportunities for new strategies and innovations. How teams manage the turbo revving and start procedure could influence race outcomes and overall championship trajectories throughout the season.
