Amid intense Formula 1 testing in Bahrain, Liam Lawson has exposed a significant advantage held by the Red Bull Racing team at race starts. While rival teams struggle with a lengthy turbo spool delay, Lawson confirmed that his Racing Bulls squad avoids the dreaded 10-second lag, giving them a crucial edge as the season opener approaches.
Technical Changes Raise Concerns Over Race Launches
This season’s updated regulations, particularly the removal of the MGU-H from power units, have complicated starting procedures. Drivers now must carefully manage turbo spooling from a standstill, a challenging task that has unsettled many teams. The increased launch difficulty has amplified concerns, with stalled cars near the front risking collisions and jeopardizing race safety.
Voices from the F1 Community Call for Action
Drivers and team leaders have publicly expressed frustration with the current state of race starts. Gabriel Bortoleto described the situation as “a mess” and “crazy,” reflecting widespread unease. McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella urged for responsible and immediate dialogue between teams and the FIA to resolve these issues before racing begins in Australia.
Lawson Explains Why Racing Bulls Are Unaffected by the Delay
Lawson attributed Red Bull’s smoother starts to their use of RBPT power units, which avoid the lengthy turbo spool-up that plagues many competitors.
“For us, it is not 10 seconds,”
he stated.
“It is definitely a more complicated start procedure, but obviously, we have a bit of time before [Australia] to try and get on top of it.”
This advantage could prove pivotal in gaining better grid positioning and avoiding start-line incidents.
Challenges Persist Despite Advantages
While the Red Bull power unit grants advantageous launch capabilities, Lawson acknowledged ongoing difficulties managing the car’s overall setup.
“We are quite similar in terms of the way we’re driving [compared to Red Bull], as we have the same power unit, but we’re fighting our own issues as well with trying to get on top of the car,”
he explained. This balance between power and control remains a critical focus for the team.
Implications for the Upcoming Season and Racing Safety
As the Formula 1 community closely monitors developments, Lawson’s comments underscore the high stakes involved in adapting to new technical constraints. The Red Bull team’s start-line proficiency may influence race outcomes, while the wider field faces pressure to improve launch reliability. With the season start imminent, the effectiveness of regulatory and team responses will be key to reducing risks and enhancing the spectacle of F1 racing.
