Formula 1, Sportrik Media - George Russell has described race starts as the “tallest hurdle” heading into the 2026 Formula 1 season after struggling during pre-season testing with Mercedes AMG Petronas at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Start procedures became a major talking point across six days of running in Sakhir. Under the new 2026 power unit regulations, the removal of the MGU-H means drivers must manually manage turbo spooling on the grid. They are also not permitted to use the MGU-K to assist turbo spin-up while heading to their grid slots, adding further complexity to the launch phase.
Russell admitted that two practice starts he conducted during testing were among the worst he has experienced in Formula 1.
“I think we’ve got a lot of potential beneath us,” Russell said.
“But to win a race, you’ve also got to get off the line quite well.”
“And I think the two starts I’ve made this week were worse than my worst-ever start in Formula 1.”
Teams have reported that it can take up to 10 seconds to bring the turbo up to operating speed, after which drivers must maintain high revs while completing the rest of the start sequence. The delicate balance between engine management and clutch control has prompted safety concerns and led several teams to lobby the FIA for procedural adjustments. The governing body subsequently trialled a revised lighting sequence during the final days of testing in Bahrain.
Meanwhile, cars powered by Scuderia Ferrari engines appear to retain an advantage off the line, reportedly aided by a smaller turbo concept developed after earlier regulatory discussions.
Russell referenced a widely circulated practice start in which Lewis Hamilton surged from the fifth row to lead into Turn 1 while Russell started from pole.
“Lewis, down in P11, got into P1,” Russell added.
“So at this stage, I don’t think it matters how quick you are; the thing that’s going to trip you up is going to be that tallest hurdle.”
“And that’s what we’re trying to get our heads around right now. We’re stumbling on some at the moment.”
With the 2026 regulations reshaping turbo management and hybrid deployment strategies, race starts are emerging as a decisive technical variable ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
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