Lewis Hamilton has responded to recent worries regarding the safety of the updated start protocols for Formula 1’s 2026 season, insisting the extended procedures do not pose a danger on race day. These concerns emerged after last week’s Bahrain test session where drivers faced difficulties getting their cars away from the grid on time due to new power unit requirements.
The upcoming technical regulations for 2026 introduce significant changes in power units, mandating drivers to manage battery levels alongside turbo spooling, which lengthens the start process. Some feared this delay could increase risks as drivers might struggle to complete their start routines before the race lights go out.
Hamilton acknowledged the longer start procedure but emphasized it does not equate to increased danger. “It’s definitely not dangerous,” the seven-time world champion declared during a media briefing at Bahrain.
“We should probably take that connotation away from it, because it’s just a different procedure. It’s just a longer procedure than it has been in the past.”
He explained that even under the current system, drivers would still be preparing when the lights switch off.
“If right now, you put the five lights up, we would all still be standing there when the lights went out for a little bit longer.”
Technical Challenges and Potential Impact on Race Starts
The new start sequence requires drivers to balance an extended engine hold rev period to properly spool the turbo, which has raised questions about fairness and safety among teams and officials. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, highlighted the difficulty for some teams, especially those with less power unit advantage, to get ready quickly enough in the shortened window before race start.
Stella identified starts as one of three principal areas of concern following testing in Bahrain, noting that the disparity between power unit manufacturers could create scenarios where some cars are able to start significantly faster than others. He suggested that the Formula 1 Commission, which met shortly after testing, would likely consider adjusting the timing of the start procedure to give all competitors enough time to prepare adequately.
“The logical outcome,” Stella indicated,
“is adjusting the timing of the start sequence such that all cars had sufficient time to prepare their cars correctly.”
This challenge predominantly affects drivers near the back of the grid, where the start process traditionally begins once the final car assembles on the starting line.
Among those expected to start further back is Valtteri Bottas, whose newly formed Cadillac F1 team is still adapting to the complexities of the 2026 regulations.
Views from Drivers on New Start Dynamics
George Russell also weighed in on the debate surrounding the safety of longer hold revs and starts in 2026, suggesting concerns may mostly relate to drivers starting behind on the grid.
“Honestly, I don’t think it’s more dangerous than before,”
Russell said.
“The main difference is, where they’re sitting now, today, at this point with longer hold revs, and I think we got to figure out something for that.”
He elaborated that the issue arises for those at the back because as they begin their hold revs, the race start lights would already be counting down, limiting the time available to spool the turbo properly.
“My only concern with that is, let’s say you’re at the back of the grid for the race start, once you start putting your hold revs, the light will already start going; you won’t have enough time to get the turbo spinning before the lights go off.”
However, he concluded with reassurance:
“Apart from that, I think we’ll find solutions.”
He further stated,
“I don’t see any element of danger in just having longer hold revs.”
Practice Starts Highlight New Procedures
During the Bahrain test, Hamilton executed a practice start at the end of the pit lane, where he revved his car for 22 seconds before moving off—a demonstration of the lengthier procedures mandated by the 2026 changes. This moment, captured by F1TV, sparked considerable discussion and highlighted the challenges drivers face with the updated start sequence.
Hamilton reflected on the preparation, saying, “I just watched everyone,” while Max Verstappen observed wryly that Hamilton was “just revving it.” Verstappen also proposed a straightforward solution for drivers who might feel uneasy about the start process.
“You can always start from the pit lane if you feel unsafe,”
Max Verstappen stated.
“You catch up anyway to the back of the pack by Turn 4. It’s okay.”
Next Steps for 2026 Start Procedures and Their Importance
The debate over the safety and fairness of the 2026 race start protocols underscores the complexities introduced by evolving F1 technical regulations. Ensuring drivers across the grid have equal opportunity to prepare for race starts is vital for fairness and safety.
With input from teams like McLaren and voices of experience such as Hamilton, Russell, and Verstappen, discussions within the F1 Commission and teams will be crucial in refining the start sequence. Adjustments in timing may be necessary to accommodate the new power unit demands while safeguarding the well-being of drivers.
As preparations continue for the 2026 season, close attention will be paid to start procedures to prevent any risks and maintain the competitive integrity of the sport under its new technical landscape.
