Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Formula 1 has confirmed a revised race start procedure will be used at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix following concerns raised during pre-season testing over the behaviour of the new power units.
The 2026 regulations introduced a major overhaul of Formula 1’s power unit architecture, including the removal of the MGU-H component. Without the system that previously helped maintain turbo speed, drivers must now keep the engine at higher revs for longer before the start to prevent turbo lag, a delay in power delivery when accelerating from low turbo speed.
This created concerns during testing that drivers positioned further back on the grid would have very limited time to prepare their cars before the starting lights sequence begins. If the turbo fails to reach optimal rotation speed, the car could experience reduced power at launch, potentially creating dangerous situations during the start.
FiA race director Rui Marques confirmed that a solution trialled during the Bahrain pre-season test will now be implemented at the Australian Grand Prix weekend.
Under the revised procedure, once all cars return to the grid after the formation lap, a flashing blue light panel will be displayed for five seconds. During this period, the information panel on the starting gantry will show the message “Pre-Start.”
After this short preparation phase, the traditional five-light start sequence will begin as defined in Article B5.7.2 of the FIA Formula 1 sporting regulations.
“For the safe and orderly conduct of the competition, once all F1 cars starting from the grid have returned to their grid positions at the end of the formation lap prior to the race, the starting grid light panels will illuminate blue and flash for five seconds while the gantry information panel displays ‘Pre-Start.’”
“Following this, the normal start light sequence defined in Article B5.7.2 of the FIA Formula 1 regulations will commence.”
The additional step is intended to give drivers sufficient time to stabilise engine revs and ensure the turbocharger is operating correctly before the race start, reducing the likelihood of stalled launches or sudden power delays.
In addition to the revised start procedure, the FIA also confirmed that Straight Mode, a feature of the new active aerodynamics system introduced in 2026, will not be available immediately at the race start.
Drivers will only be allowed to activate Straight Mode after passing Turn 1 on the opening lap, a measure designed to reduce potential safety risks while the field remains tightly packed during the early moments of the race.
The Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park street circuit will therefore provide the first real-world test of both the new power unit regulations and the adjusted race start procedure under competitive conditions.
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